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The Quiet Hour 


EXPERIENCES OF FELLOWSHIP 
IN WORSHIP (<< OF 


Recorded by, / 
William Adams Brown 


ASSOCIATION PRESS 


New Yorx: 347 Mapison Avs. 
1926 


COPYRIGHT, 1026 
THE GENERAL BOARD 
THE YOUNG MEN’sS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS 


Printed in the United States of America 


TO THOSE WHO 
DEAFENED BY LIFE’S MANY NOISES 
WOULD TURN ASIDE 
TO LISTEN TO 
THE STILL SMALL VOICE 





CONTENTS 


I 
WITH JESUS IN THE SCHOOL OF 
PRAYER 
A Prayer for Peace 
CHAPTER PAGE 
DLUEARNING / TO) PRA Wo cece cette ala ains 5 
TI. A pay IN THE MASTER’S LIFE....... 9 
III. How our LORD MET TEMPTATION.... 13 
IV. JESUS’ SECRET OF HAPPINESS....... 17 
V. JESUS’ TEST OF DISCIPLESHIP........ 21 
VI. WHAT IT COSTS TO FOLLOW JESUS AND 
WHATAIT | BRINGS (hi) bo ha iro gn 25 
VII. Two Ways OF REALIZING THE GLORY 
O11 E BET BRO PRO DP EN Ma BURL. amie Hw 29 
Man Per NOM LMERE OBLIGE (00s 4/0 s viale ia bigeye 33 
POM ER IAM, TOUR seal aia chain alah atei hela aed) a 37 
X. JESUS’ PRAYER FOR HIS DISCIPLES.... 41 
II 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 
A Prayer for the Open Eye 


I. THE EXPERIENCE OF A MAN ALONE 
VER ECS CTOs ayn cl UN eaves oy Nees 51 


II. THE DECEITFULNESS OF TEMPTATION.. 55 


Lv] 


CONTENTS 





CHAPTER 


eB 
IV. 


VIIL. 


VII. 
VIII. 


IX. 


X. 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE....... 
WHAT ONE MAN FOUND IN NATURE.. 


. How A MAN FOUND GOD AWAY FROM 


UP BLLOWSHIP” IN) PRAVER® <cu Gaieee 


THE GOOD SHEPHERD. A MEDITATION 
FORA OUIET: HOUR W203). eee 


III 
THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 
The Hurrying Age 


. POWER FROM ON HIGH.......... iat 
. THE CHURCH WHICH IS HIS BODY. A 


PRAYER FOR HOLY WEEE......... 


. SEEING THINGS IN PROPORTION...... 
. THE FRUITS OF THE SOPIRIT...... ahs 
. THE DEEP THINGS OF GOD.......... 
. How TO LIVE IN HEAVEN WHILE STILL 


ON BARTH tn) 2o 0 da oe eee 
PAUL’S WAY OF KEEPING YOUNG.... 
‘LHE “MIND. OF. CHRIST. jhe eee 
THE MORE EXCELLENT WAY......... 


MorE THAN CONQUERORS. A THANKS- 
GIVING AT THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR 


[vi] 


Ior 


105 
ELI 
115 
I21I 


125 
129 
136 
141 


145 


FOREWORD 
T HESE prayers have been tested by use. They 


are the outcome of an experiment in social 
worship which has been carried on in the Chapel 
of the Union Theological Seminary during two 
successive years. In the critical atmosphere of the 
study and the class-room, it is not easy to keep 
alive the spirit of prayer. The words of Scripture 
which in ages past have brought comfort and in- 
spiration to the human spirit have been “sicklied 
o’er with the pale cast of thought,” and for many 
no longer call forth spontaneously reverence and 
adoration. Even into our hours of worship we 
bring with us our perplexities and our uncertain- 
ties; our questionings and our doubts. The prayers 
that follow are the record of an attempt to recover 
again for a company of students the detachment 
and receptivity which make it possible to realize 
the presence of God. 

The prayers are grouped about familiar passages 
of Scripture, each chosen because it expresses some 
permanent human aspiration or speaks to some 
recurrent human need. The reading of this pas- 
sage without comment was followed by a period 
of silence in which each worshiper was given 
opportunity to meditate in private upon such aspect 


[ vii | 


FOREWORD 


of the central thought as proved most fitted to his 
personal need. Then, as an aid to concentration 
and sympathy, phrases or sentences were sug- 
gested for further meditation, each period being 
concluded with a brief collect through which the 
common aspiration was expressed. 

Some of those who shared in the experiment have 
encouraged me to hope that the record of an experi- 
ence which they have found helpful in giving 
reality to their own devotion may prove suggestive 
to others, who, like themselves, feel the need of 
quickening and purifying the inner life. At the 
request of these friends, I commit these prayers to 
print. 


Except in a few cases where the Revised Version 
gives a clearer sense, the quotations from Scripture 
are from the Authorized Version. I desire to ex- 
press my thanks to The Board of Christian Educa- 
tion of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. for 
the privilege of using three prayers from the 
Presbyterian Book of Common Worship. 

W. A. B. 


[vii] 


~- 


| 
WITH JESUS IN THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER 
“The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ.” 


A PRAYER FOR PEACE 


Keep me quiet, Master, 
Patient day by day, 
When I would go faster, 
Teach me thy delay. 


Restless, oft I borrow 
From the future care. 
Teach me that to-morrow 


Shall its burden bear. 


From thy full provision 
Daily richly fed, 

By thy clearer vision 
Ever safely led, 


Let me to my brothers 
Turn a face serene, 
Sharing thus with others 

Peace from the Unseen. 


Lord, teach us to pray.—Luke XI: 1. © 

Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall 
find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.— 
Luke XI:9. - 

If ye, then, being evil, know how to give good 
gifts unto your children, how much more shall 
your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them 
that ask him?—Luke XI: 13. 

Except ye be converted and become as little 
children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of 
Heaven.—Matthew XVIII: 3. 

Whosoever will be great among you, let him be 
your minister.—Matthew XX: 26, 27. 

O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass 
from me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou 
wilt.—Matthew XXVI: 39. 

If any man will come after me, let him deny 
himself, and take up his cross daily and follow 
me.—Luke IX: 23. 

Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to 
have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have 
prayed for thee that thy faith fail not—Luke 
XXII: 31, 32. 

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also 
which shall believe on me through their word.— 
John XVII: 20. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto 
you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let 
not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid. 
—John XIV: 27. 





I 


LEARNING TO PRAY 
Read Luke XI: 1-13 
[A Period of Silence] 


Lord, teach us to pray.—vs. 1. 
() THOU great Teacher of men, with whom 


are hid all the treasures of wisdom and 
knowledge, we come to thee this morning, con- 
scious of our ignorance, that we may receive the 
enlightenment we need. Purge us of all pride 
and self-assurance; give unto us the teachable 
spirit, that drawing near to thee in humility and 
contrition, we may learn what thou art eager to 
impart. 


I say unto you, Ask and it shall be given 
you; seek and ye shall find.—vs. g. 


F there be any of us, Lord, who are uncon- 
I scious of our need, and are content to remain 
as we are, reveal’ unto us our littleness and our 
limitation. If there be any of us who are facing ° 
dificulties of the mind and find it hard to believe 
in thee, help us to trust where we cannot see. If 


[5] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


there be any of us who have lost hope because we 
have tried to reach thee and failed, renew our 
courage. May the gracious words of our Master 
be fulfilled in our ears: Ask and it shall be given 
you; seek and ye shall find. 


Father, ... hallowed be thy name.—vs. 2. 


IVING and eternal God, whom no human eye 
has seen or thought of man has compassed; 
Spirit of purity and truth who readest the thoughts 
of our hearts, help us this morning to realize who 
and what thou art: the source of all true life, the 
standard of all sound judgment, the pattern of 
all right conduct, the satisfaction of our deepest 
desires, the home of the soul. Holy Father, help 
us this day to worship thee in spirit and in truth. 


Thy Kingdom come.—vs. 2. 
() THOU who didst send Jesus Christ to. >. 


call men from their selfishness and isola- 
tion into fellowship with thyself, help us this day 
to do thy will on earth as it is done in heaven. 
May we see in each man we meet, that better man 
it is thy will he should become. May we do to 
others as we would that they should do to us—not 
to friends and neighbors only, but to strangers and 
enemies, even as thou, Father, makest thy sun to 
rise on the evil and the good, and sendest thy 
rain on the just and the unjust. 


[6] 


IN THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER 


Give us day by day our daily bread.—vs. 3. 


IVER of every good and perfect gift, feed 
(; us this day with the food we need: food for 
our bodies, food for our minds, foods for our 
affections and our loyalty. As we are nourished 
and sustained by the bread thou givest, may we 
remember all those who hunger and thirst, are 
weary and heavy laden. Hasten the day when thy 
kingdom shall come and thy will be done in all 
human relationships—in the factory and the farm, 
in the bank and the store, as well as in the home 
and the school. May we do our part to hasten 
that better day, remembering that all we have, we 
hold in trust for thee and for the neighbor who 
represents thee. 


Forgive us our sins.—vs. 4. 


E come into thy presence, Lord, conscious 

of our unworthiness. If thou shouldst 
mark iniquity, O Lord, who shall stand? We hear 
thee saying to us, If any man will come after me, 
let him deny himself and take up his cross daily _ 
and follow me. Yet we have wandered after our — 
own will, and sought our own pleasures, and 
turned aside from the cross. Forgive us our sins, 
we beseech thee, and with thy forgiveness, grant 
us both the will and the power to repent and to 
amend. 


[7] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


Lead us not into temptation.—vs. 4. 


E with us now as we separate to our several 
tasks. Grant that this day which thou hast 
given unto us in mercy may be returned unto thee 
in service. Be our companion and guide in our 
studies, in our pleasures, in our familiar inter- 
course with one another. If it be thy will, lead us 
not into temptation; but if temptation come, give 
us strength to resist and to overcome, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. 


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the 
love of God, and the communion of the 
Holy Spirit, be with us all. Amen. 


[8] 


Il 


A DAY IN THE MASTER’S LIFE 
Read Mark I: 14-35 
[A Period of Silence] 


Jesus came ... preaching the Gospel of the 
Kingdom of God, and saying ... Repent. 
—Mark I: 14, 15. 

LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who 
hast called us to the ministry of thy word, 
help us to begin this ministry at home. Grant us 
this day clear vision of whatever we have done 
amiss, in word, in deed, and in our secret thoughts, 
and that deep contrition that shall enable us, by 
thy grace, to bring forth fruits meet for repent- 
ance. 


And [he] said unto them, Come ye after me, 
and I will make you to become fishers of 
men.—vs. 17. 

3 THOU God and Father of us all, who 

() numberest the hairs of our heads and read- 
est the thoughts of our hearts, without whom we 
can do nothing aright, help us this day, as we meet 
our fellows in the intimate contacts of our Semi- 
nary life, to see them, as thou seest them, in their 
divine possibilities; to desire for them what thou 


[9] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


desirest for them, strength and happiness, free- 
dom and courage; and to share with them, if it be 
thy will, whatever gift or grace we may have re- 
ceived from thee. 


He taught them as one that had authority and 
not as the scribes.—vs. 22. 


LL-SEEING GOD, who art the source of all 
light and the satisfaction of all desire; in 
whom are hid the treasures of wisdom and knowl- 
edge, grant unto us, we beseech thee, such experi- 
ence of thee that all our doubts may be banished 
and our indecisions removed. Building our lives 
upon the foundation which thou hast laid—even 
Jesus Christ—may we be able to say with thine 
Apostle, I know whom [ have believed, and that he 
is able to keep that which I have committed unto 
him, 


And there was ....a man with an unclean 
Sprite tenets and Jesus rebuked him, say- 
ing, Hold thy peace, and come out of 
him.—vss. 23, 25. 

THOU who dwellest not in temples made 

with hands, hater of evil, lover of good, 

look down, we beseech thee, upon our confused and, 

troubled world. May thy Spirit of righteousness 

and love cast out the evil spirits which beset and 

thwart us: selfishness and pride, suspicion and 
[10] 


IN THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER 


fear, censoriousness and covetousness, which is 
idolatry. Purify the hearts which thou hast chosen 
for thy dwelling place. Enter into the place thou 
hast thyself prepared, and dwell with us con- 
tinually as guest and friend. 


And at even, when the sun did set, they 
brought unto him all that were diseased, 
... and he healed many.—vss. 32, 34. 


THOU who art all sufficient, never weary, 
() never in doubt, and who dost desire for 
us, thy children, that we should be always at 
our best; thou who knowest all our necessities 
before we ask thee—the secret sorrow, the uncon- . 
quered sin, the sense of inadequacy and failure— 
whatever there may be in each life which we can- 
not reveal to any other, of which it may be we are 
but half conscious ourselves; grant us this day 
the grace we need; that through thy power we 
may be made strong, and by thine insight we may 
be made wise, and of thy sufficiency we may be 
made whole; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 


And in the morning, rising up a great while 
before day, he... departed into a solitary 
place, and there prayed.—vs. 35. 


EAVENLY Father, ever present though we 

see thee not, refuge to which we can ever 

turn, reservoir from which we can always draw, we 
[11] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


thank thee for this quiet season of communion with 
thee. Go with us now, we beseech thee, as we 
separate to our several tasks, and grant that what- 
ever else we may leave behind, we may never be 
apart from thee. Amen. 


[12] 


Til 


HOW OUR LORD MET TEMPTATION 
Read Matthew IV: 1-11 
[A Period of Silence] 


Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the 
wilderness, to be tempted of the devil._— 
Matthew IV: 1. 


THOU, who dost teach us to pray, Lead us 
() not into temptation, yet wast thyself at all 
points tempted like as we are, yet without sin, 
prepare us, we beseech thee, for whatever testing 
this day may bring. If it be thy will to spare us 
the strain of sudden decision, make us thankful; 
but if in thy providence temptation come, give us 
grace to resist, cost what it may. As thou didst 
refuse the easy way and didst choose the lonely road 
that led to the garden and -the cross, may we fol- 
low in thy steps. May our eyes be open to per- 
ceive the Father’s will and our wills resolute to 
follow wherever he shall lead. 


Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every 
word that proceedeth out of the mouth of 
God.—vs. 4. 

[13] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


ASTER and Friend, who dost encourage 
M us to pray for daily bread, but wast thy- 
self an hungered; who didst say of the common 
blessings of life—food, clothing and shelter— 
your Father knoweth that ye have need of all 
these things—yet hadst no place to lay thine own 
head; give us this day that food of which the 
world knows not. Feed our spirits, we pray thee, 
with the bread that comes down from heaven, 
so that, though our outward man perish, the in- 
ward man, hungering for thy righteousness, may be 
renewed day by day. 


Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.—vs. 7. 
THOU who didst bid thy disciples to pray, 
Deliver us from evil, yet thyself didst not 

escape the bloody sweat and the bitter cross, help, 

us this day to remember before thee in loving 
sympathy all who are in need, sorrow or distress. 

As thou didst bear upon thy heart the sorrows 

of humanity and didst make of thy cross the remedy 

for the world’s sin, help us today to make of the 
trials and limitations of our own lives a doorway 
through which to enter into fellowship with other 
lives. May each burden which thou shalt lay 
upon us make us more quick to perceive the loads 
that others are carrying, and each desire which 
thou shalt withhold fix our hearts more surely 
upon the treasure which never faileth; that out of , 
[14] 


IN THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER 


the abundance of thy supply, we may have enough 
to share with all who are in need. 


Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and 
him only shalt thou serve.—vs. Io. 


THOU Christ of God, who didst come 

preaching the Kingdom, and didst teach thy 
disciples to pray, thy Kingdom come, yet in thine 
own experience didst see thy people reject thee, 
thy disciples forsake thee, and even thy nearest and 
dearest fail thee in thine hour of need, help us, we 
beseech thee, as we face the selfishness and unbelief 
of men, never to lose faith in the final triumph of 
our Father’s purpose. If this day we shall be 
brought face to face with the fact of sin—in our 
own lives, in the lives of those we are trying to 
help—may we remember that on the cross thou 
hast met sin and conquered it; and, while we bear 
with patience the sorrow of hope deferred, com- 
fort ourselves with the assurance of coming de- 
liverance. 


Then the devil leaveth him; and behold, angels 
came and ministered unto him.—vs. 11. 
O with us now, as we separate to our several 
tasks, and grant us in all that we do the 
ministry of thy protecting Spirit. As thou hast 
guarded us during the helpless hours of sleep, so 
do thou guide us during the appointed hours of 
[15] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


labour; that all our tasks may be gladly and faith- 
fully performed, as in thy sight; that our burdens 
may not be too heavy for us, because thine aid and 
comfort are with us continually; and that in noth- 
ing may we displease thee, or injure one another. 
But if in anything we fail or come short, through 
ignorance or weakness, O God, let thy fatherly 
wisdom correct us and thine infinite mercy for- 
give us, and thy divine love amend our fault; 
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. 


[16] 


IV 
JESUS’ SECRET OF HAPPINESS 


Read Matthew V: 1-16 
[A Period of Silence] 


Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the 
Kingdom of Heaven.—Matthew V: 3. 

THOU God and Father of us all, who 

through Jesus Christ our Lord didst say to 
those desiring to enter thy Kingdom, Except ye be 
converted and become as little children, ye cannot 
enter therein, grant us, we beseech thee, the child- 
like spirit. As we face the unknown happenings 
of this new day, may it be with eyes open to see 
what our Father would teach us, and wills resolute 
to follow wherever he shall lead. 


Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall 
be comforted.—vs. 4. 


THOU compassionate God, the comforter 
() of all who mourn and the binder up of 
broken hearts, we remember before thee all those 
from whom thou hast withheld their heart’s desire. 
And if this day we shall be called upon to drink 
the cup of sorrow, may we not rebel against it as 


[17] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


if some strange thing had happened to us, but 
accepting it as thy gift, enter into thy peace. 


Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit 
the earth.—vs. 5. 


TERNAL and ever-blessed God, who dost 
refuse those who are wise in their own con- 
ceit, yet hast promised to make thine abode with 
him who is of an humble and contrite spirit, grant 
unto us this day that true humility which is pos- 
sible to those only who see themselves as thou 
seest them. Thou who didst reject the Pharisee, 
yet didst accept the publican, have mercy upon us, 
we beseech thee, miserable sinners. 


Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst 
after righteousness; for they shall be 
filled.—vs. 6. 


THOU who dost not suffer us to be satis- 

fied with little things, but hast set eternity 
in our ‘hearts, lead us this day, we beseech thee, 
to the spring of living water where alone our thirst 
can be quenched. Thou who art the true bread 
that comest down from heaven, feed our spirits 
with the food ‘that nourishes character. May we 
desire nothing less than to be righteous as thou art 
righteous, loving as thou art loving, patient as thou 
art patient, pure as thou art pure. May no failure 
discourage us, no suffering daunt us, no disappoint- 

[18] 


IN THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER 


ment weaken our faith in thy power and thy will 
to do for us all and more than our heart’s desire. 


Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain 
mercy.—vs. 7. 

THOU God of love, who dost not deal with 
() us after our desert, but art ever more ready 
to give than we to ask, grant unto us thy spirit of 
helpfulness. May we see in everyone who comes to 
us this day asking our help a messenger of him 
who said, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one 
of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done 
it unto me; and with the will, grant us also the 
wisdom to give help that shall be help indeed. 


Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall 
see God.—vs. 8. 

THOU who desirest truth in the inward 
() parts, whom no pretense can deceive, from 
whom no secret is hid, purify our hearts, we be- 
seech thee; help us to look past all shams and 
deceit in others—but most of all in ourselves—to 
the truth ‘as it is in thee; that, seeing thee as thou 
art, we may be changed into the same image. 


Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall 
be called the children of God.—vs. 9. 

RACIOUS Father, from whom every family 

in heaven and on earth is named, who hast 


made of one blood all the nations upon earth, for- 
[19] 


THE QUIET. HOUR 


give us, we pray thee, our unhappy divisions. 
Strengthen the hands of all who are working for 
unity in church and in state, and grant that we, 
who name the name of Christ, may so live together 
in concord this day that we may share the joy 
which thou hast promised to those who follow 
after peace. 


Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and 
persecute you and say all manner of evil 
against you falsely for my sake.—vs. II. 

THOU Christ of God, who for our sakes 

O didst drink the cup of sorrow and bear 

upon thy cross the burden of the world’s sin, help 

us this day to take up our cross and follow thee. 

And if in thy service we shall be called upon to 

face misunderstanding or to suffer reproach, may 

we accept them with thankfulness, rejoicing to be 
counted worthy to suffer for the cause of Christ. 

For thy name’s sake, we ask it. Amen. 


[20] 


V 
JESUS’ TEST OF DISCIPLESHIP 


Read Mark I:16-20; Luke IX:57-62; Mark 
XIV : 27-31; 66-72 


[A Period of Silence] 


Come ye after me, and I will make you to 
become fishers of men. And... they 
forsook their nets and ... left their father 
... and went after him.—Mark I: 17-20. 
LMIGHTY God, who through thy Son Jesus 

Christ our Lord hast called us to thy min- 
istry and dost permit us to share with thee thy task 
of winning men, help us to give ourselves wholly 
to this, our high calling. Whatever thou shalt ask 
of us, whether it be personal comfort or human 
companionship, may we keep nothing back. 


Suffer me first to go and bury my father.— 
Luke IX: 59. 

ORD, we hear thy voice and would obey, but 

not today. Thou knowest how many things 

there are that hold us back—things honorable in 

themselves, things beautiful and tender which thou 

must approve: our duty to our parents, our com- 


[21] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


mitments in business, the respect we owe to public 
opinion, all the ties that bind us to the past. We 
will follow thee, Lord, but tomorrow, or the day 
after, when we have freed ourselves from the claims 
that compete. Suffer us first to go and bury our 
dead. 


Let the dead bury their dead, but go thou and 
preach the kingdom of God.—Luke IX: 60. 


THOU compassionate Christ, who dost de- 
() sire for us no experience through which 
thou hast not thyself passed, show us what thou 
dost wish us to do, and give us grace to do it now. 


Let me first go and bid them farewell which 
are at home at my house.—Luke IX: 61. 


ORD, we hear thy voice and would obey. We 
own thy right to all we have and are. But 
there are other lives which are very near and very 
dear to us. What thou askest of us may mean 
separation, not only outward but inward—the 
severing of old ties, the parting from dear friends, 
the leaving of home and kindred to go we know 
not whither, to experience we know not what. Give 
us time, Lord, to make the needed adjustment. We 
will come, Lord, presently. But suffer us first a 
moment of farewell. 


[22] 


IN THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER 


No man having put his hand to the plough 
and looking back is fit for the kingdom of 
God.—Luke IX: 62. 


THOU uncompromising Christ, who dost 
() ask of us nothing of which thou hast not 
thyself first given us the example, save us from 
the divided will. When thou askest of us complete 
surrender, may we hear thy voice and obey. 


I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 
—Luke IX: 57. 


ORD, we hear thy voice and would obey. We 

would follow thee whithersoever thou goest, 

but we know not whither thou art leading us. Thou 

who didst say to thy disciples, I am the way, and 

the truth, and the life, show us the way that we 

may walk in it, and grant us strength and courage 
to follow it to the end. 


And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus 
said unto him... Thou shalt deny me 
thrice. And when he thought thereon, 
he wept.—Mark XIV: 72. 


THOU all-sufficient Christ, who readest the 

thoughts of men and dost press past all the 

deceptions and subterfuges by which we hide our- 

selves even from ourselves; thou whom we have 

promised to follow to the end and yet have so often 
[23] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


denied; reveal unto each one of us, we beseech 
thee, our point of present danger, and in our hour 
of temptation, hold us true to thee. 


Now unto him who is able to keep us from 
falling, and to present us faultless before the 
presence of his glory with exceeding joy; to 
the only wise God, our Savior, be glory and 
majesty, dominion and power, both now and 
ever. Amen. 


[24] 


VI 


WHAT IT COSTS TO FOLLOW JESUS 
AND WHAT IT BRINGS 


Read Luke IX: 18-27 
[A Period of Silence] 


And he asked them saying, Whom say the 
people that I am? They answering said, 
John the Baptist; but some say Elias; and 
others say that one of the old prophets is 
risen again.—Luke IX: 18, Ig. 


THOU Lord and Master of us all, who de- 
() sirest truth in the inward parts, to whom 
each one of us standeth or falleth, help us today, 
forgetting what others have told us about thee, to 
listen only to what thou thyself art saying to us. 
We thank thee for all thou ‘hast meant to those who 
before us have followed thee—parents and friends, 
prophets and apostles, martyrs and saints, church- 
men and those who for thy sake have dared to 
break with the church. But we know that the faith 
of others cannot take the place of our own faith, 
or the experience of others relieve us of the respon- 
sibility of testing thee for ourselves. Thou who 

[25] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


dost stand at the door and knock, enter in, we 
beseech thee, and dwell with us this day. 


Peter answering, said: The Christ of God.— 
VS. 20. 


THOU Christ of God, who didst bear on thy 
() heart the burden of the world’s sorrow and 
sin, who art even now grieving for our shortcom- 
ings and saddened by our hardness of heart, help 
us to see men and women as thou seest them, in 
their divine possibilities and in their human limi- 
tations: our fellow students in the Seminary; our 
family and friends; the boys in our clubs; the 
people in our churches; the strangers whom we 
meet in passing; above all, ourselves, whom thou 
dost invite to have part in thy ministry of recon- 
ciliation, yet who so far fall short of that which 
thou dost desire us to be. 


And he said to them all, If any man will come 
after me, let him deny himself and take up 
his cross daily and follow me.—vs. 23. 


LMIGHTY and everlasting God, who of thy 
tender love towards mankind hast sent thy 

‘Son our Savior, Jesus Christ, to take upon him our 
flesh and to suffer death upon the cross, that all 
mankind should follow the example of his great 
humility, mercifully grant that we may both fol- 
low the example of his patience and also be made 

[26] 


IN THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER 


partakers of his resurrection. As he did not shrink 
from the sacrifice which thou didst require from 
him, give us courage this day to deny ourselves 
and take up our cross and follow him. Show us 
the way which he has walked before us, that we 
may walk it after him. 


Whosoever will save his life shall lose it, but 
whosoever will lose his life for my sake, 
the same shall save it.—vs. 24. 


TERNAL and ever-living God, our heavenly 
RK Father, who didst raise from the dead our 
Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, anc 
dost promise to raise from the death of sin alf 
those who put their trust in thee, grant us such: 
experience of the freedom and peace that come to. 
those who live with Christ, that we may be able: 
to witness acceptably to all who are in need. Hear 
us now as in loving intercession we remember 
before thee our friends and kindred from whom we: 
are separated: those of our number who are absent 
and those who are sick, all whom we would fain 
help but cannot reach; that out of thy fatherly 
goodness thou wouldst give them—with the supply 
of all lesser needs—thy gift of gifts, even life ever- 
lasting. 


[27] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


There be some standing here that shall not 
taste of death till they see the Kingdom 
of God.—vs. 27. 


THOU God of hope, who hast promised to 
() those who love thee such good gifts as pass 
man’s understanding, grant us if it be thy will 
even here and now, such fellowship with those who 
love and follow Christ that we can say with truth, 
‘Mine eyes have seen the Kingdom. Even while 
‘we wait for the day when thy will shall be done 
on earth as it is in heaven and the kingdoms of the 
world become the Kingdom of our Lord and of 
his Christ, may we anticipate its coming in present 
experience of righteousness and peace and joy. 
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, we ask it. 
Amen. 


[28] 


Vil 


TWO WAYS OF REALIZING THE 
GLORY OF GOD 


Read Luke IX: 28-43a; Matthew XVII: 
19, 20 


[A Period of Silence] 


And... he took Peter and John and James 
and went up into a mountain to pray. 
And as he prayed, the fashion of his coun- 
tenance was altered ... and when they 
were awake they saw his glory.—Luke 
Liab, 20," 32. 

ATHER in heaven, who dost grant to us, crea- 
Pine of time and change, visions of the 
eternal; thou who art ever the same, yet changest 
alway; who dost clothe the earth with verdure and 
givest radiance to the rising sun, we praise thee for 
the revelation of thyself which thou hast made in 
Jesus Christ, thy word made flesh. Take us up 
with him into the mountain. Open the eyes which 
are yet heavy with sleep to the divinity by which 
we are encompassed. As we contemplate our 
Master’s life, so like us in its conflicts, so unlike 
us in its victory, may we see his visage transfigured, 

[29] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


and, beholding his glory, rejoice in the revelation 
of thy majesty and thy love. 


Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for 
us to be here ... not knowing what he 
said.—vs. 33. 

THOU Lord and Master of us all, man as 

() we are men, tempted as we are tempted, 
teach us thy secret of triumphant life. We have 
come here this morning to learn of thee. Gladly 
would we linger in thy company, forgetting the 
world of sinning, suffering men to which thou 
art calling us. Help us to learn that wherever we 
go, thou dost precede us. As we leave this place 
of privilege to face the unknown issues of this 
new day, be thou our companion and guide. 


And it came to pass ... when they were come 
down from the hill, much people met 
him.—vs. 37. 

THOU friend of man, who didst yearn over 

Jerusalem, seeing in each of its countless 
lives a child of God made for the Father’s fellow- 
ship, grant us thy gift of sympathy. As we touch 
our fellows this day in this great city, may we 
think of them as thou art thinking, desire for them 
what thou dost desire, and be willing, as thou art 
willing, to give our lives for them to the utter- 


most. 
[30] 


IN THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER 


And, behold a man of the company cried out, 
saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon 
my son, for he is mine only child. And 
lo, a spirit taketh him ... And I besought 
thy disciples to cast him out; and they 
could not ... And Jesus rebuked the un- 
clean spirit, and healed the child ... And 
they were all amazed at the mighty power 
of God.—vss. 38-40, 42, 43. 

THOU man of sorrows, and acquainted with 

6) grief, touched at all points with our in- 
firmities, yet without sin; healer of the sick, binder 
up of broken hearts, reconciler of warring spirits, 
hear us, we beseech thee, as we bring before thee 
in loving intercession all who are in need—those 
whom we know and love and those whom thou 
alone knowest and for whom thou alone carest. Be 
with the sick in our Seminary fellowship; the sor- 
rowful and those who are perplexed and burdened 
by care or doubt. Hasten the day when all men 
everywhere shall know thee, and, experiencing thy 
power to heal and to renew, shall glorify thee for 
the wonder of thy love. O seeker of the lost, shep- 
herd of the sheep, savior of the soul, hear us, we 
beseech thee, in this our morning prayer. 


Then came the disciples to Jesus apart and 
said: Why could not we cast him out? 
And Jesus said unto them: Because of 

[31] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


your unbelief. For verily I say unto you, 
If ye have faith as a grain of mustard 
seed ... nothing shall be impossible unto 
you.—Matthew XVII: 19, 20. 
OST of all, O Master, we would pray for 
thy gift of faith. Thou hast promised that 
those who ask shall receive, that those who seek 
shall find, that to those who knock it shall be 
opened. Lord, we believe; help thou our unbelief. 
As thou didst renew thy spirit from the reservoir 
of the eternal, make us today to drink of the water 
of life. Strengthen us for the day’s task of self- 
discipline or of self-forgetting ministry. Give us 
the faith that overcomes. For thy name’s sake, we 
ask it. Amen. 


[32] 


VII 
“NOBLESSE OBLIGE” 
Read John XIII: 1-17 
[A Period of Silence] 


Jesus ... having loved his own which were in 
the world, he loved them unto the end.— 
John XIII: 1. 


EAR Lord and Master of us all, whom not 
having seen we love; in whom, though now 
we see thee not, we yet believe, reveal thyself unto 
us, we beseech thee, as in this quiet hour we draw 
near unto thee. As in thine earthly life thou didst 
draw unto thyself thy disciples through a compre- 
hending love that no failure could daunt or blind- 
ness discourage, so draw us unto thee, we beseech 
thee, through the mystery of thy compassion and 
the challenge of thy trust. 


Knowing that the Father had given all things 
unto his hand, and that he was come from 
God and went to God... he took a towel 
and girded himself ...and began to wash 
the disciples’ feet.—John XIII: 3-5. 

[33] 


THE QUIET HOUR 
THOU inexhaustible Christ, God’s word to 


us in human life, in whom dwelleth all the 
fullness of the Godhead bodily, open our eyes, we 
beseech thee, that we may perceive the deeper mean- 
ing of thy life, outwardly so unpretentious. We see 
thee walking as a man among men: gentle, gra- 
cious, uncomplaining. We hear thee saying, Fol- 
low me, and when we ask what shall be our 
guerdon, thou sayest, a cross. Open to us the 
meaning of thy condescension, as with wondering 
eyes we see thee, Master and Lord of all, gird thy- 
self as a servant and wash thy disciples’ feet. 


Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash 
my feet ... Thou shalt never wash my 
feet—John XIII:6, 8. 


HAT must we feel toward thee, Lord, when 

we see thee, the Master, stoop to the ser- 

vant’s place We, who should be thy comrades 

on life’s journey, shall we rest while thou art toil- 

ing; we, who should be thy helpers with life’s bur- 

dens, shall we sit while thou art bending? This 

be far from thee, Lord. Summon and we will fol- 

low; command and we will perform. But ask not 

this thing of us. Lord, thou shalt never wash our 
feet. 


If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with 
me.—John XIII: 8. | 
[34] 


IN THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER 


THOU all-comprehending Christ, whom we 

have proved in many a dark hour, thou 
knowest all things; thou knowest that we love 
thee. But so often thy ways are strange and we 
do not fathom their meaning. We know that thou 
dost nothing without purpose. We hear thee say, 
If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 
Open thy word to us, we beseech thee, that we may 
understand and obey. 


Ye call me Master and Lord, and ye say well, 
for so Iam... The servant is not greater 
than his Lord; neither he that is sent 
greater than he that sent him.—John 
AIII: 13, 16. 

LORD, we have called thee Master with our 

lips. We have said unto thee, not once but 
many times, Lord, Lord; yet in our hearts 
we have retained always some secret place not sur- 
rendered to thy control. We have called thee Lord, 
and tried to shape our lives according to our own 
will and not to thine. We have called thee Master, 
but dared to dictate to thee how thou shouldst 
plan thy life and order thy kingdom. Forgive us, 

Lord, our inconsistency. Uncover to us the pride 

that cloaks itself with the pretense of humility. 

Teach us that of a truth the servant is not greater 

than his lord. Help us to pray, not with our 

[35] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


lips, but from our hearts, Thy will, not mine, be 
done. 


If I, then, your Lord and Master, have washed 
your feet, ye also ought to wash one 
another’s feet, For I have given you an 
example, that ye should do as I have done 
to you.—John XIII: 14, 15. 

THOU best friend of man, who though 
Master and Lord hast not used the master’s 
right to unquestioning obedience, but as comrade 
dost open unto us thy meaning and invite us to 
share thine inmost thoughts, reveal to us, we be- 
seech thee, the mystery of thy ministering love. 

Show us that what thou hast done for us it is thy 

will that we should do for others. Following thine 

example, may we learn that it is more blessed to 
give than to receive. Amen. 


If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do 
them.—John XIII: 17. 


[36] 


IX 
THE DARK HOUR 
Read Matthew XXVI: 30-46 
[A Period of Silence] 


Then cometh Jesus .. . unto a place called 
Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, 
Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.— 
Matthew XXXVI: 36. 
TERNAL and ever blessed God, who out of 
thy great compassion for weak and erring 
men didst not spare thine own Son but didst give 
him freely for us all, that we, by his sacrifice, 
might be reconciled to thee; grant us thy Spirit, 
we beseech thee, as we, like thy disciples of old, 
become spectators of the sufferings which he en- 
dured on our behalf. 


Then saith he unto [the disciples], My soul is 
exceeding sorrowful, even unto death. 
Tarry ye here, and watch with me.—vs. 38. 

THOU great Friend of man, who like us 

dost shrink from suffering; lover of joy and 

beauty and of every simple and happy thing, play- 

mate of children, welcome guest at the wedding 
[37] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


feast, help us to understand thee now as we see 
thee enter upon the path which thou must tread 
alone. God forgive us that we for whom thou hast 
done so much have added to the load which thou 
art carrying. May we not shrink from the reve- 
lation of our own shortcoming, but beholding thy 
sorrow, learn to understand ourselves. 


And he went a little farther and fell on his 
face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, 
if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; 
nevertheless not as I will, but as thou 
wilt.—vs. 39. 


-J AS there any sorrow, Lord, like thy sor- 
row—the sorrow of a love that was de- 
spised and rejected of men—the love of the good 
for the evil, of the wise for the ignorant, of the 
patient for the headstrong, of the selfless for the 
selfish; the love that would heal but could not 
reach; that would save but could not find; that 
would share but met no outstretched hand; that 
would enter in but could find no open heart. 


And he cometh unto the disciples and findeth 
them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, 
could ye not watch with me one hour? 
Watch and pray that ye enter not into 
temptation.—vss. 40, 41. 

[38] 


IN THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER 


THOU long-suffering Savior, who for our 

sakes art ever watching till the hour come 
when we are ready to receive what thou wouldst 
impart, forgive us that when thou dost invite us 
to watch with thee, we should be found wanting. 
Thou who didst take Peter and James and John 
with thee into the garden wouldst reveal to us 
today the mystery of thy sorrow, the tragedy of 
thy cross. Open our eyes, we beseech thee, that 
we may see what thou seest. Pierce our hearts, we 
beseech thee, that we may feel what thou dost feel. 


He went away again the second time and 
prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup 
can not pass away from me except I drink 
it, thy will be done.—vs. 42. 


AS there any sorrow like this sorrow—the 
sorrow of an hour when faith could see no 
light amid the encompassing clouds; an hour 
that brought to thee separation from kindred, the 
doubt of friends, the rejection of countrymen, the 
denial of disciples, the repulse of love, the loss of 
the consciousness of God himself? 
Help us to watch with thee, Master, in this thy 
sorrow. Thou who didst drink the cup the Father 
gave, grant that when our testing comes, we may 


be found faithful. 


[39] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


And he left them and went away again, and 
prayed the third time, saying the same 
words. Then cometh he to the disciples, 
and saith unto them, Sleep on now and 
take your rest ... Behold, he is at hand 
that doth betray me.—vss. 44-46. 


AS ever any sorrow like this sorrow—the 

sorrow of hope deferred? Thou who didst 
come to preach good tidings to the poor, to pro- 
claim release to the captives and recovery of sight 
to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 
to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, art 
still waiting for the time when those for whom 
thou didst give thy life shall be willing to receive 
what thou hast to give. Forbid that any blind- 
ness or carelessness of ours should postpone the 
day when thou shalt see of the travail of thy soul 
and be satisfied. In the hour when all men for- 
sake thee, may we be found faithful. 


Now unto Him that loved us, and washed us 
from our sins in his own blood . . . to him be 
glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 


[40] 


X 
JESUS’ PRAYER FOR HIS DISCIPLES 


Read John XVII: 1-26 
[A Period of Silence] 


These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his 
eyes to heaven, and said, Father... 
—John XVII: 1. 


THOU present Christ who hast taught us 
O to say, Our Father, help us this morning 
to pray that prayer after thee. As we draw near 
to the close of the term and begin to count the days 
before we must separate, help us to realize more 
vividly our unity in thee. Forgive us for our 
carelessness and our blindness, our wandering 
thoughts and our lost opportunities, and help us 
to use the hours that remain in ways that are worthy 
of thee. Above all, grant us thy consciousness of 
the unseen Father of whom thou art ever remind- 
ing us, that trusting him as thou didst trust him, 
we may find in him what thou didst find. 


Holy Father, keep through thine own name 
those whom thou hast given me, that they 
may be one, as we are.—vs. II. 

[41] 


THE QUIET HOUR 
LMIGHTY God, who seest the end from the 


beginning, we commit ourselves this day 
to thy fatherly keeping. We have not chosen thee, 
but thou hast chosen us to be disciples of thy Son 
and ministers of thy gospel. When we are tempted 
to swerve to the right hand or to the left, give us 
grace to hold the straight path. When other 
masters claim our allegiance, may we remember 
that we are not our own but his to whom thou hast 
given us. 


This is life eternal, that they might know thee, . 
the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom 
thou hast sent.—vs. 3. 

THOU living God who by thy creative spirit 

() art ever sharing with us thy creatures thine 
eternal and ever-blessed life, teach us thy secret of 
unhurried work. May we know thee, the only true 
God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent; that 
knowing thee we may trust thee, and trusting thee, 
may serve thee, and serving thee, may rejoice in 
thee, who art the Father of our spirits and the 
source of our ideals; to know whom is to have life 
indeed. 


I have given unto them the words which thou 
gavest me.—vs. 8. 
PIRIT of truth and beauty, who art ever re- 
vealing thyself to those who have eyes to see 
and ears to hear; Father of our spirits, who in 
[42] 


IN THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER 


Jesus Christ, thy word made flesh, hast shown us 
who thou art and what thou dost desire, grant unto 
us, we beseech thee, such clear vision of thyself 
that we may be able to interpret thee to others. 
Speak to us, weak and imperfect as we are, thy 
words of eternal life, that repeating them after 
thee, not with our lips only but in our lives, we 
may become thy ministers to those who are in need. 


I have given them thy word; and the world 
hath hated them because they are not of 
the world. ... I pray not that thou 
shouldest take them out of the world, but 
that thou shouldest keep them from the 
evil.—vss. 14, 15. 

OMPASSIONATE GOD, who desirest for thy 
children only the best, yet didst not with- 

hold from thy beloved Son, our Lord, the cup of 
sorrow, be thou our companion and stay this day. 

If temptation beset us, give us grace to resist; if 

opposition come, to stand firm. Arm us against 

those subtle influences of our environment that 
under fair names and with specious promises are 
trying to draw us away from thee. When we are 
tempted to take the easy path, hold ever before 
our eyes the cross and him who hung thereon. 

Thou, who hast sent us into the world that we may 

be thy witnesses to the world, keep us from the evil 

of the world. 
[43 ] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


Neither pray I for these alone, but for them 
also which shall believe on me peabe 
their word.—vs. 20. 

THOU Christ of God who didst say to ity 

disciples, The works that I do shall ye do 
also and greater works than these shall ye do be- 
cause I go to my Father, grant us that love for 
men that was in thee and that faith in the power 
of love that did sustain thee. As we take up the 
work of ministry that thou didst lay down, may 
we be conscious of those reserves of power upon 
which thou didst draw. When our best efforts 
seem to fail and our word returns to us without 
effect, may we remember that the same Spirit which 
drew us to thee is silently at work in the hearts 
of those we would help. Reveal to us those faults 
in ourselves which make our witness ineffective. 

So unite us to thyself that we may feel our unity 

with all who sincerely trust and follow thee. Teach 

us so to express this unity in effective living that 
those who are now kept from the fellowship of thy 
church by our unhappy divisions may no longer 
hold aloof but seeing the unity of thy disciples 
in work and worship may believe that the Father 
did send thee. 


Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast 
given me, be with me where I am, that 
they may behold my glory.—vs. 24. 

[44] 


IN THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER 





E thank thee, Lord, for these moments of 

quiet spent in thy presence before the 
pressure of the day come upon us. As we sepa- 
rate to our several tasks, be thou our companion 
on the way; and as we pray that thou wilt be with 
us, help us not to forget that other prayer that 
we may be with thee. Keep us this day on the 
heights. May we see clearly, feel deeply, give 
without reserve. Show us thy glory, the glory of a 
love that held nothing back, that sharing with thee 
thy ministry we may be partakers of thy joy. In 
thy name, we ask it. Amen. 


Now unto him who is able to do exceeding 
abundantly, above all that we ask or 
think, according to the power that work- 
eth in us, unto him be glory in the church 
by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, 
world without end. Amen. 


[45] 





II 
THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 
“The Love of God.” 


A PRAYER FOR THE OPEN EYE 


Afar I sought thee in the radiant sky, 
But thou art near. 

In every breeze that sings its lullaby 
Thy voice I hear. 


Afar I sought thee in heroic deed, 
Still to be done, 

But thou dost speak in every brother’s need 
Beneath the sun. 


So let me feel thy presence day by day 
In wind and sod, 

That every bush I meet upon my way 
Shall glow with God. 


So let thy Spirit kindle my desire, 
Self to deny, 

That every common deed shall flame with fire, 
As doth thy sky. 


Be still, and know that I am God.—Psalm XLVI: 
10. 

Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all 
generations.—Psalm XC: 1. 

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most 
High shall abide under the shadow of the Al- 
mighty.—Psalm XCI: 1. 

Whither shall I go from thy Spirit, or whither 
shall I flee from thy presence. If I ascend up into 
heaven, thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, 
behold, thou art there—Psalm CXXXIX: 7, 8. 

For thus saith the high and lofty one that in- 
habiteth eternity, ... I dwell ... with him... 
that is of a contrite and humble spirit.—Isaiah 
LVII: 15. 

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.— 
Psalm XXIII: 1. 

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord 
pitieth them that fear him.—Psalm CIII: 13. 

As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I 
comfort you.—Isaiah LXVI: 13. 

In all their affliction he was afflicted. . . . In 
his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he 
bare them and carried them all the days of old.— 
Isaiah LXIII: 9. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a 
right spirit within me. . . . Then will I teach 
transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be con- 
verted unto thee.—Psalm LI: 10, 13. 





I 


THE EXPERIENCE OF A MAN ALONE 
WITH GOD 


Read Psalm LI 
[A Period of Silence] 


Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy 

loving kindness. According to the mul- 

* titude of thy tender mercies blot out my 
transgressions.—Psalm LI: 1. 


RACIOUS God, to whom all hearts are open, 

all desires known, and from whom no 
secrets are hid, we have come here this morning to 
meet thee. As we linger a moment in thy presence 
before the day’s tasks claim us, may we be 
conscious that thou art here. Thou, the all 
righteous, dost invite us sinners to share thy holi- 
ness. Thou, the all merciful, wouldst make us 
mortals partakers of thy sufficiency; but we, be- 
guiled by the interest of the moment, are content 
with little things. How canst thou give what we 
are not willing to receive, or impart to us what 
we do not desire? Put into our hearts the long- 
ing for the greater gifts. Help us this morning so 

[51] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


to ask that we may receive; so to seek that we shall 


find. 


For I acknowledge my transgressions... . 
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned 
and done this evil in thy sight—Psalm 
Lit 3,: 4: 

EK are not worthy of thy goodness. Thou 

alone knowest how often we have sinned, 
in wandering from thy ways, in wasting thy gifts, 
in forgetting thy love. But thou, O Lord, have pity 
upon us who are ashamed and sorry for all wherein 
we have displeased thee. Teach us to hate our 
errors; cleanse us from our secret faults; and for- 
give our sins for the sake of thy dear Son, our 

Savior, Jesus Christ. And O most holy and loving 

Father, send thy purifying grace into our hearts, 

we beseech thee, that we may henceforth live by 

thy light and walk in thy ways according to the 
commandment of Jesus Christ our Lord. 


Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: 
and in the hidden part thou shalt make 
me to know wisdom.—Psalm LI: 6. 


THOU all wise and holy God, who seest 

() the end from the beginning, with whom are 

the issues of life—thou who art light of light, with 

whom is no darkness at all, send into our hearts, 

we beseech thee, thy purifying and enlightening 
[52] 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 


Spirit. Deliver us from all hypocrisy and self 
deceit. May we see things as they are; in others, 
but most of all, in ourselves. Thou who desirest 
truth in the inward parts, grant us this day thy 
gift of sincerity. Thou from whom nothing is hid- 
den, make us to know wisdom. 


Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew 
a right spirit within me.—Psalm LI: ro. 


REATIVE Spirit, who art able to do exceed- 
ingly abundantly above all that we ask or 
think; from whom alone proceed right thoughts 
and holy desires, purify our hearts, we beseech 
thee, with the fire that comes from on high. Thou 
who art all holy, grant us thy singleness and 
sincerity. Lord and giver of life, quicken our 
sluggish nature so that it shall respond to every 
invitation to good. Hold ever before our eyes the 
example of Jesus, our Master, who pleased not 
himself, but gave himself wholeheartedly for 
others, that, sharing his ministry, we may enter 
into his reward. 


Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and 
uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will 
I teach transgressors thy ways; and sin- 
ners shall be converted unto thee.—Psalm 
EL: 12,13: 
[53] 


THE QUIET HOUR 
THOU who hast redeemed us from sin and 


death and committed unto us thy ministry 
of reconciliation, reconcile us first unto thyself. 
How shall we give that which we have not already 
received, or share what we do not possess. Write 
thy word upon our hearts, we beseech thee. Grant 
us thy gift of happiness. Deliver us from fear, the 
fear of others, the more insidious fear of our- 
selves. As free men and women may we walk this 
day with heads erect and shining faces, a source of 
strength and comfort to all whom we may meet 
upon our way. 
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, we ask it. 
Amen. 


[54] 


il 
THE DECEITFULNESS OF TEMPTATION 
Read Genesis III: 1-19; Ephesians VI: 10-13 
[A Period of Silence] 


And (the serpent) said, Yea, hath God said, 
Ye shall not eat?—Genesis III: 1. 
Take heed ... lest any of you be hardened by 
the deceitfulness of sin.—Hebrews III: 12, 
13. 
\PIRIT of truth, who for our good dost hold 
ever before us the ideal of perfection, forgive 
us that we so easily avert our eyes from the vision 
by which thou wouldst draw us unto thyself. In 
this world where it is so easy to turn aside from 
the straight and narrow path into byways of 
excitement or of ambition, fortify us, we beseech 
thee, against those enticing voices which would 
persuade us that we can evade thine inexorable law. 


The woman saw that the tree was good for 
food.—Genesis III: 6. 

It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink 
wine, nor anything whereby thy brother 
stumbleth.—Romans XIV: 21. 

[55] 


THE QUIET HOUR 
a Vendy God, who hast made us for hap- 


piness and not for repression, guard us 
against the temptations that come to us by the 
avenue of sense; and when they beset us, give us 
strength to resist. Thou, who hast put within us 
appetites of hunger and thirst and sex which 
clamor for satisfaction, help us to make the body 
which thou hast given us our servant and not our 
master. 


The tree was ... pleasant to the eyes.— 
Genesis III: 6. 

If God so clothe the grass of the field ... shall 
he not much more clothe youre—Matthew 
VL: 30, 


TERNAL God, who hast formed us for har- 
mony and not for discord, and dost lend to 
thy world of time and sense graces of form and 
colour that arrest and delight, help us this day to 
recognize the temptations that come to us through 
our love of the beautiful, and when we recognize, 
to resist. From the loveliness that fades because 
it is partial and divisive, may we rise to the beauty 
which alone can permanently satisfy—that beauty 
which is fresh every morning and new every eve- 
ning, even the beauty of holiness which thou hast 
uncovered to us in the face of Jesus Christ, our 
Lord. 
[56] 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 


The tree [was] to be desired to make man 
wise.—Genesis ITI: 6. 

Be not wise in your own conceits.—Romans 
XII: 16. 


GOD of light, who hast made us for knowl- 

edge and not for ignorance, look down upon 
us this morning, a company of students, as we face 
the tasks and problems of this new day. Help us 
to recognize the temptations that come to us 
through our desire to know, and when we recog- 
nize to resist.. Deliver us from the pride of opin- 
ion; from the curiosity which is barren and not 
creative. Bring every thought into captivity to the 
obedience of Christ, that, knowing him who is the 
Truth, we may become free indeed. 


(She) gave... unto her husband ... and he 
did eat.—Genesis III: 6. 

It must needs be that offences come; but woe 
to that man by whom the offence cometh! 
—Matthew XVIII: 7. 


GOD of love who hast formed us for fel- 

lowship and not for solitude, deliver us 
most of all, we beseech thee, from those tempta- 
tions which come to us through our affections and 
friendships. Suffer us not through thoughtless- 
ness or wilfulness to lead any child of thine into 
sin. May we realize that even in the smallest 
things no one of us lives to himself. If we are 


[57] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


tempted to allow ourselves any indulgence, how- 
ever innocent, which may be a source of danger 
to others, help us to recognize this as a tempta- 
tion and when we recognize, to resist. 


There hath no temptation taken you but such 
as is common to man.—I Corinthians 
A: 13. 

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation ; 
for when he is tried, he shall receive the 
crown of life—James I: 12. 


RACIOUS God, who dost not suffer us to be 
tempted above that which we are able to 
bear, grant us this day the reenforcement of thy 
companionship. As we fight the good fight of 
faith, give us strength to withstand, courage to 
dare; that mounting step by step in our ascent 
toward the heights, we may receive from thee the 
gifts thou art ever ready to impart—happiness and 
beauty and wisdom and love; and, enjoying thee 
more and more, may enter into fulness of life. 


[58] 


III 
THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 
Read Psalm CXXXIX 
[A Period of Silence] 


O Lord, thou hast searched me and known 
me;... thou understandest my thought 
afar off.—Psalm CXXXIX: 1, 2. 

THOU who art from everlasting to everlast- 

() ing, whom finite thought cannot measure or 
human experience exhaust, we commit ourselves 
to thy care at the beginning of this day; knowing 
that though we do not comprehend thee, thou 
knowest us altogether, and art sufficient for all our 
need. 


Thou hast beset me behind and before, and 
laid thine hand upon me.—vs. 5. 
E thank thee for all the way thou hast led 
us in the past—for home, for friends, for 
work, for experience, for sorrow, and for joy. We 
rejoice that in that unknown future toward which 
we are moving, thou art going before and art 
waiting even now to meet us. 


If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; 
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THE QUIET HOUR 


even the night shall be light about me.— 
vs. II. 
THOU who art light and in whom is no 
darkness at all, from whom we would fain 
hide ourselves, because we know that in thy pure 
and holy presence we shall be convicted of sin, 
reveal thyself now unto us, we beseech thee, that 
in thy marvelous light we may see ourselves as 
thou seest us; the baser self we have too often been, 
the better self by thy grace we may become. 


How precious... are thy thoughts unto me, O 
God; how great is the sum of them.—vs. 
17. 
ATHER of the solitary, Comforter of those 
who mourn, Friend and Companion of those 
who rejoice, Guide of the perplexed, the inex- 
haustible source of happiness, of courage, and of 
wisdom, we rejoice to know that what we cannot 
wisely plan for ourselves, thou art even now plan- 
ning for us; and what we cannot provide for our- 
selves, thou art even now ready to give us. 


Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee?— 
and am I not grieved with those that rise 
up against thee ?—vs. 21. 
THOU Father of us all, from whom every 
O family in heaven and on earth is named, 
who didst send Jesus Christ our Lord to establish 
[60] 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 


thy kingdom on earth, the kingdom of righteous- 
ness and joy and peace, help us, we beseech thee, 
as we touch our fellows this day in the complex 
relations of our common life, to desire what thou 
dost purpose, and to hate what thou dost despise. 
May the standards by which we judge the men we 
meet be the standards of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
who desires for men nothing but the best and 
grieves when they miss what he has to give. 


Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try 
me and know my thoughts; and see if 
there be any wicked way in me, and lead 
me in the way everlasting.—vss. 23, 24. 


GOD, our Father, as we rise from our knees 

and go about our several duties, may we not 
leave thee behind. Grant unto each one of us that 
heavenly guidance and control, in all our labours, 
pleasures, and trials, which shall maintain our 
hearts in peace with one another and with thee. 
Graciously help and prosper us in the doing of 
our various duties, with a willing and a cheerful 
mind; and defend us all, by thine almighty power, 
both from inward evil and from outward harm; 
so that, when the day is ended, it may not leave 
us in sorrow, strife, or shame, but in true unity 
and thankful rest, through thy merciful favour and 
thy forgiving love, in Christ Jesus, our Lord. 
Amen. 

[61] 


IV 
WHAT ONE MAN FOUND IN NATURE 
Read Psalm CIV 
[A Period of Silence] 


O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wis- 
dom hast thou made them alil.—Psalm 
CIV: 24. 


ATHER almighty, Maker of heaven and 

earth, and of all things visible and invisible, 
as we wake this day to the wonders of thy world, 
grant us, we beseech thee, the spirit of reverence 
and of thanksgiving. Thou who art all wise and 
all holy, reveal thyself to us in thy works—the 
kindly earth by which we are nourished and sup- 
ported; the moving waters that purify and refresh; 
the heavens by which we are overarched; the air 
we breathe; the trees that shade us; the flowers 
and the birds; sun, moon and stars that give us 
light; day with its work, night with its rest. O 
Lord, our Lord, how manifold are thy works. In 
wisdom hast thou made them all. 


Who coverest thyself with light, as with a 
garment.—Psalm CIV: 2. 
[62] 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 
() THOU who dwellest in light unapproach- 


able, with whom is no darkness at all, open 
our eyes, we beseech thee, to the beauty and the 
meaning of the world by which we are encom- 
passed. May we not be content to rest upon the 
surface of things, but behind the garment where- 
with thou dost clothe thyself, catch the outline of 
a divine form, and above the silence of our un- 
answered questions, hear the beating of a divine 
heart. Spirit of wisdom and truth, grant us thy 
light, that whatever experience the day may bring 
—sorrow or joy, success or failure—we may re- 
ceive it as thy gift and be thankful. 


Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it 
should not be removed forever.—Psalm 
CIV: 5. 


THOU who changest not, the same yester- 
() day, today and forever; with whom a thou- 
sand years are but as yesterday when it is passed 
and as a watch in the night, we thank thee that 
when all about us seems to fail we may put our 
trust in thee. Thou who dost bind the changing 
seasons into the unity of the years; who canst weave 
the passing years into the pattern of a character, 
open our eyes to see thy purpose for us and for 
thy world. O thou God of law, with whom is no 


variableness, or shadow that is cast by turning, 
[63] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


may we build our lives upon the foundation which 
thou hast laid—even Jesus Christ. 


Thou sendest forth thy Spirit; they are 
created; and thou renewest the face of 
the earth.—Psalm CIV: 30. 


REATIVE Spirit, who art ever at work in thy 
world, fashioning out of ion and electron 
forms of wonder and of beauty; thou who canst 
bring light out of darkness, joy out of sorrow, 
righteousness out of sin, we thank thee for thy gift 
of life. Thou to whose power there are no limits, 
make of us this day what thou wouldst have us 
to be. Forgetting the things that are behind, may 
we press on to the things that are before, and 
renewing our spirits through contact with thy 
divine Spirit, go from strength to strength and from 


joy to joy. 


Man goeth forth unto his work and to his 
labor until the evening.—Psalm CIV: 23. 


THOU who art never idle, never at a loss, 
() we thank thee for thy gift of work. These 
tasks to which thou dost summon us, which we did 
not choose and cannot evade, help us to realize 
them as opportunities sent by thee; and, accepting 
them as thy will, to perform them to thy glory. 
Be with us in our study; in our contacts with our 
fellows; in our hours of fatigue; in our momenis 


[64] 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 


of temptation. And as we turn to each new task, 
may we be able to say with our Master, My Father 
worketh hitherto, and I work. 


The glory of the Lord shall endure forever; ... 
I will sing unto the Lord as long as [I live. 
—Psalm CIV: 31, 33. 


OST of all, O God, we thank thee for thy 

gift of beauty. Thou who dost lend sea 
and sky form and colour, perfume to the flowers, 
taste to the palate, harmony to thought, holiness 
to character, we rejoice today in thy perfection 
and would sing thy praise while we have any 
being. Thou who art all holy and all beautiful, 
teach us this day to worship thee in the beauty of 
holiness. 
_ And to thy name shall be the praise, world with- 
out end. Amen. 


[65] 


Vv 


HOW A MAN FOUND GOD AWAY 
FROM HOME 


Read Genesis XXVII: 41-45; XXVIII: 10-22 
[A Period of Silence] 


And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went 
toward Haran; and he lighted upon 
a certain place, and tarried there all 
night, because the sun was set.—Genesis 
AV LDL TO. RT: 


THOU, who seest the end from the begin- 
() ning, with whom is no near and no far, be 
our companion, we beseech thee, in this day upon 
which we are entering. As we move into the un- 
known future, be thou our protector and guide. 
If in thy providence we shall be called to face 
dificulties we cannot surmount, sorrows from which 
we cannot escape, responsibilities for which our 
shoulders are too weak, may we remember that 
strength and courage, comfort and joy are with 
thee. When we come to the place where we can 
go no farther because the light has failed, may we 
lie down and rest in peace, knowing that thou who 


never sleepest art watching. 
[66] 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 


And he took of the stones of that place, and 
put them for his pillows.—vs. 11. 


OD of the darkness as of the light, of the 
CG night as of the day, help us to endure hard- 
ness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. If thou shalt 
withhold from us this day any support on which 
we have been accustomed to lean in the outer 
world or in the inner; if some friend we trusted 
fail us, some hope be denied on which we had 
confidently relied; if the unquestioning faith of 
yesterday seems impossible today, may we this day 
experience thy power to transform and to renew. 
May we find in our difficulties teachers sent by thee, 
and out of the limitations and obstacles which seem 
to bar our progress, win discipline which shall 
make us adequate for whatever tasks thou shalt 
require. 


And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up 
on the earth; and the top of it reached to 
heaven.—vs. 12. 

UR Father who art in heaven, source of our 
ideals and satisfaction of our desires, who 

—through thy Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ—hast 

taught us to pray, Thy will be done in earth, as it 

is done in heaven, open our eyes, we beseech thee, 

to the unseen influences by which we are encom- 

passed. May we realize that not in Palestine only 

long ago, but in this busy city today, earth and 
[67] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


heaven are ever touching; that wherever we stand, 
we have but to lift up our eyes, and, behold, a 
stairway by which we can mount up to thee. We 
have but to open our hearts, and lo! a door 
through which thou art even now waiting to enter 
in to us. 


And behold the Lord stood above it and said: 
I am the Lord God of Abraham, thy father 
... And behold I am with thee.—vss. 13, 

I5. 
OD of our fathers and of our fathers’ 
fathers, thou who art from everlasting to 
everlasting, with whom a thousand years are but 
as yesterday when it is past and as a watch in the 
night; we thank thee that as we move forward into 
the future, we do not leave the past behind; that 
when we enter into the solitude of our chamber and 
shut the door, we do not bar out thine other chil- 
dren, for whom thou carest, even as thou carest 
for us. As we seek this day for ourselves the help 
we need for the day’s tasks, we would bring be- 
fore thee in loving intercession all for whom we 
care, and would fain help if we could; kindred 
and friends; fellow students; the boys in our 
clubs; the congregations to whom we minister— 
any who may be facing need or sorrow in mind, 
body or estate—and all that greater company, un- 
known to us but known to thee, who, with us, are 

[68] 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 


journeying toward the unknown future, and may 
lose their way if they stray from thee. 


And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he 
said, Surely, the Lord is in this place and 
I knew it not. And he was afraid, and 
said, How dreadful is this place. This is 
none other but the house of God.—vss. 

16, 17. 
THOU righteous Father, near us in thy 
@) tenderness and compassion, yet infinitely 
removed from us by thy purity and perfect love, 
forgive us, we beseech thee, that in a world where 
thou art everywhere present to warn and to help, 
we work so often with blinded eyes, we walk so 
often with heedless steps. Thou who art ever with 
us, though we see thee not; unseen companion of 
all our journeys, though we hear thee not, reveal 
thyself unto us this day. Grant unto us that rever- 
ent appreciation of the divine possibilities of the 
commonest things, that wherever we go and what- 
ever we do, we may be able to say with truth, How 
awe inspiring is this place. This is none other 


than the house of God. 


And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will 
be with me and will keep me in this way 
that I go... then shall the Lord be my 
God.—vss. 20, 21. 

[69] 


THE QUIET HOUR 
THOU all-wise and loving Father, who 


knowest our necessities before we ask and 
our ignorance in asking, we do not need to ask thee 
to go with us this day, for wherever we may go, 
thou wilt be our companion. But thou canst not 
give us what we are not prepared to receive, or do 
for us what we do not desire. Help us this day to 
surrender our will completely to thee, our Master 
and Friend. May we seek first thy kingdom and 
thy righteousness, and be able from our hearts to 
pray, Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us 
from evil. 
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, we ask it. 
Amen. 


[70] 


VI 
THE LAND OF PROMISE 


Read Genesis XI:27, 28, 31, 32; XII: 1-9. 
Hebrews XI: 1, 8-10; XII: 1, 2 


[A Period of Silence] 


Now the Lord had said unto Abram: Get thee 
out of thy country and from thy kindred 
and from thy father’s house, unto a land 
that I will show thee.—Genesis XII: 1. 


GOD, who art ever calling us out of the 

familiar and the near into new scenes and 
novel experiences, look down upon us this morning, 
a company of men and women gathered from many 
countries and from many homes, in these new sur- 
roundings where, it may be, many of us still feel 
ourselves strangers. May we realize that whatever 
else we have left behind, thou art still with us, our 
companion and guide; and that where thou art, 
there is home. 


By faith Abraham, when he was called... 
obeyed; and he went out, not knowing 
whither he went.—Hebrews XI: 8. 

[71] 


THE QUIET HOUR 
THOU, who seest the end from the begin- 


ning, we would commit ourselves unto thy 
fatherly guidance at the beginning of this new day. 
We move forward into a future that thou hast hid- 
den from us, not knowing what a day or an hour 
may bring forth; knowing only that whatever may 
befall us, nothing but our own wilfulness can 
separate us from thine encompassing love. Grant 
us this day the child-like spirit, that when thou 
speakest, we may hear; and when thou command- 
est, we may obey. 


By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, 
as in a strange country.—Hebrews XI: 9. 


| IVER of every good and perfect gift, whe 

dost prepare for those that love thee such 

good things as pass man’s understanding, we thank 
thee for thy loving kindness to us and to all men. 
We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and 
all the blessings of this life, but above all, for thine 
inestimable love in the redemption of the world 
by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace 
and for the hope of glory. Help us to remember, 
as we use the earthly gifts thou dost impart, 
that they are given us in trust, not for ourselves 
only, but for others. And while we enjoy and 
use the things we see and taste and handle, may 
we never forget the better gifts still in store for 
us—things that eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, 

[72] 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 





neither have entered into the heart of man—what- 
soever things God hath prepared for those who 
love him. 


For he looked for a city which hath founda- 
tions; whose builder and maker is God.— 
Hebrews XI: 10. 


TERNAL and ever-living God; to whom a 
thousand years are but as yesterday when it 
is passed and as a watch in the night; thou who 
fashionest all things after the pattern of thy will, 
without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy; 
grant us today a vision of that true fellowship into 
which thou art calling thy children. May we never 
rest satisfied with the limitations and compromises 
of our life here—its cruel competition, its un- 
bridled selfishness, its engrossment in the little and 
the near; but may we seek after that better city 
which our Lord Jesus Christ came to establish— 
that kingdom of God which is righteousness and 
peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. 


Now faith is the substance of things hoped 
for, the evidence of things not seen.— 
Hebrews XI: 1. 

REATIVE Spirit, who hast set question in 

our hearts, we thank thee that for every 
question thou hast an answer. Hearer and an- 
swerer of the prayer of faith, grant us today the 


[73 


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assurance we need. Where we cannot see, may we 
trust; where we cannot understand, may we obey 
—that, trusting and obeying, we may find our ques- 
tions answered, our doubts resolved, and prove in 
our own lives the truth of thy word: Blessed are 
they who have not seen, and yet have believed. 


Wherefore .. . let us lay aside every weight 
and the sin which doth so easily beset us, 

. . looking unto Jesus, the author and 
finisher of our faith—Hebrews XII: 1, 2. 


THOU who wast tempted at all points, like 
() as we are, yet without sin, help us this day 
to live worthily of thee. We know not what the 
day may bring, of outward enticement or of inward 
strain, to test our sincerity and reveal us to our- 
selves. When the hour of our trial comes, may we 
be found faithful, cost what it may. Help us to 
break with every habit that would hold us back; 
to renounce every indulgence that would weigh us 
down. If our right hand offend us, may we cut 
it off; if our right eye offend us, may we pluck it 
out. When thy call comes to surrender, may we 
keep nothing back. 

For thy name’s sake, we ask it. Amen. 


[74] 


Vil 
THE GIFT OF COURAGE 
Read Psalm XXVII 
[A Period of Silence] 


When thou saidst, Seek ye my face, my heart 
said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. 
—Psalm XXVII: 8. 


LMIGHTY God, who hast formed us for thy- 
self; Spirit within that reaches out to that 
which is beyond, and up to that which is above, 
help us to understand what thou art saying to us 
this day. We come to thee, creatures of time and 
change, with our narrow vision and our petty con- 
cerns; our inconstant wills and our broken pur- 
poses, not sure even that we desire the gifts of 
which our lips speak. Put into our hearts such 
longing for thyself, that we shall yield ourselves 
completely to thine invitation, and follow thee 
whithersoever thou shalt lead. When thou sayest, 
Seek ye my face, may our hearts answer, Thy face, 
Lord, will we seek. 


The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom 

shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of 

my life; of whom shall I be afraid?—vs. 1. 
[75] 


THE QUIET HOUR 
QO GOD, who art light and life and energy; 


for whom no mystery is too dark and no 
task too difficult, we thank thee that though we are 
ignorant, thou art wise; and though we are weak, 
thou art strong. Help us this morning to lay hold 
upon the arm which thou dost reach out to us, and 
_ as we move forward into the unknown experiences 
of this new day, be thou our companion and guide. 
If danger come, grant us courage; if hardship, en- 
durance; if we sin, forgive us. Trusting thee in all 
things, may we prove the truth of thy promise, My 
strength is made perfect in weakness. 


One thing have I desired of the Lord; that will 
I seek after: that I may dwell in the house 
of the Lord ail the days of my life, to 
behold the beauty of the Lord and to 

| inquire in his temple.—vs. 4. 

“{'NREATIVE Spirit, whom the heaven of 

heavens cannot contain; yet who dost clothe 
with beauty each least thing which thou hast made, __ 
open our eyes, we beseech thee, to the wonder of 
thy world. As we study thy works in nature, in 
history, in the heart of man, may we never forget 
who it is that has formed them for our wonder 
and our delight. May the spring speak to us of 
thy power to restore and renew; the summer of 
thy purpose to enrich and beautify; the autumn 
of our privilege of ripe experience and fruitful 

[76] 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 


service; the winter of the coming night which is 
the doorway through which we pass into the per- 
fect day. Living all our lives in the home which 
thou hast made for us and for all thy children, 
may we rejoice in its beauty and grow in under- 
standing of its meaning. 


For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in 
his pavilion; . .. therefore will I offer in 
his tabernacle sacrifices of joy.—vss. 5, 6. 


THOU who readest the thoughts of man and 
@) art acquainted with all our ways, to whom 
all hearts are open, all desires known, and from 
whom no secrets are hid, we thank thee that there 
is no experience through which thou dost call us 
to pass, but thou, O Lord, knowest it altogether. | 
God of the light, we rejoice that thou art the God 
of the darkness also; that there is no question for 
which thou hast not an answer, no suffering for 
which thou hast not healing, no sorrow for which 
thou hast not comfort, no sin for which thou hast 
not forgiveness. If trouble come to us this day, 
be thou our helper. Keep us under the shelter 
of thy presence, that with understanding hearts we 
may offer unto thee our sacrifice of joy. 


Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a 
plain path because of mine enemies.—vs. 


ru 
[77] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


GOD, who didst not spare thine only Son, 

but didst permit him to endure the contra- 
dictions of wicked men, grant unto us his spirit 
of forgiveness. Take away from our hearts all 
bitterness and resentment. May we not return evil 
for evil, but overcome evil with good. Above all 
grant us such faith in the power of love to dispel 
misunderstanding and create sympathy, that no 
experience of the narrowness and self-will of man 
may shake our confidence in the triumph of thy 
cause, or lessen the sincerity of our own witness to 
the power of thy Spirit. When the way before us 
seems closed and we know not what the next step 
should be, lighten thou our darkness, we beseech 
thee, and make the path plain before us. 


Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage.... 
Wait, I say, on the Lord.—vs. 14. 


LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, in 
A whom all contradictions are resolved, all 
longings satisfied, we thank thee for these moments 
which thou hast permitted us to spend in thy pres- 
ence. Help us, as we leave this place and separate 
to our appointed tasks, to realize that wherever we 
may go, thou art there awaiting us. We commend 
to thy fatherly care all our dear ones—kindred and 
friends, the-beys-in-our*clubs, our fellow students 
who have not shared with us the privilege of 
our morning prayer. Especially would we bring 

baopiovg [78] 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 


before thee in loving remembrance those of our 
number who are sick. Grant them, if it be thy will, 
full recovery; and during their period of absence 
from us, the companionship of thy Spirit\ And* 
te-ws-alt;-O thou all-sufficient God, grant thy gift 
of courage, that with heads erect and spirits un- 
afraid we may face whatever experiencéthe day) 
my bring. Amen. 


[79] 


Vill 
THE HOME OF THE SOUL 
Read Psalm XC 
[A Period of Silence] 


Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all 
generations.—Psalm XC: 1. 

In my Father’s house are many mansions.— 
John XIV: 2. 


LMIGHTY God, who in every age hast been 
A the refuge and shelter of thy people, their 
protection against danger, their comfort in sor- 
row, their rest in weariness, the home of the soul; 
we rejoice that in thy fatherly house there is a 
place for every one of thy children. As we move 
out into the unknown experiences of this new day, 
suffer us not to stray so far from thee that we shall 
not hear thy voice calling us home. 


From everlasting to everlasting thou art God. 
—Psalm XC: 2. 
Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, 
suffered you, ... but from the beginning 

it was not so.—Matthew XIX: 8. 
[80] 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 


TERNAL God, who in every age hast been the 

stay of those who put their trust in thee, 
lifting them up when they were cast down, reveal- 
ing to them their best selves, holding ever before 
their eyes the unchanging principles of truth, of 
justice and of love upon which thou hast estab- 
lished thy universe, reveal us this day unto our- 
selves. If in the hardness of our hearts we have 
been content with standards lower than the best, 
confront us again with thy Christ, that recogniz- 
ing in him thy will for us, we may live by what 
we see. 


Thou hast set . . . our secret sins in the light 
of thy countenance.—Psalm XC: 8. 

Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after 
her, hath committed adultery with her 
already in his heart.—Matthew V: 28. 


THOU God of truth, who readest the 

thoughts of our hearts and judgest what 
thou readest, how shall we stand in thy presence; 
we who with our lips invoke thy companionship, 
yet in our hearts cherish desires which we know 
must separate us from thee. Thou who art too holy 
to dwell with impurity, too true to tolerate in- 
sincerity, how shalt thou bear with us, who, pro- 
fessing to be thy worshippers, deny thee in our 


secret thoughts? 
[81] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


O satisfy us early with thy mercy, that we may 
rejoice and be glad all our days.—Psalm 
XC: 14. 

Neither do I condemn thee: Go, and sin no 
more.—John VIII: 11. 


THOU long-suffering Christ, who, though 
() thou wast innocent, yet for our sakes didst 
suffer the cross which was our desert, forgive us 
that so often by our betrayal we make thy love 
of none effect. Lord, we are ashamed and sorry 
for all wherein we have grieved thee, and are griev- 
ing thee today. Satisfy us with thy mercy so freely 
offered, and from the new faith and hope thou 
dost impart may we receive strength to sin no more. 


So teach us to number our days that we may 
apply our hearts unto wisdom.—Psalm 
De Bs 

I am the way, the truth and the life—John 
XIV : 6. 


THOU great teacher of men, with whom are 
() hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowl- 
edge, look down upon us, we beseech thee, a com- 
pany of students who are trying to feel our way a 
little farther into the mystery of thy world. Open 
our minds to every new insight; make our spirits 
sensitive to every fresh impression. Suffer us not 
to lose the whole in the parts—to sacrifice the 


distant for the near; but speaking truth in love, 
[82] 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 


may we grow up in all things unto him whom thou 
hast given us for our model, the Christ who is the 
way and the truth and the life. 


Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon 
us.—Psalm XC: 17. 
The pure in heart... shall see God.— Matthew 
V:8. 
THOU who dost clothe the earth with ver- 
dure, and hast set gladness in the heart of 
man, God of the morning and of the evening, 
of the sunshine and of the rain, thou who art 
ever preparing for us fresh surprises and invit- 
ing us to new delights, purify our hearts that we 
may be fitted to receive thy gifts. Spirit of holiness 
and truth, whom only spirit can perceive, clarify 
our vision that we may see thee in thy beauty and 
rejoice and be glad in thee all our days. 


Establish thou the work of our hands.—Psalm 
AC: 17. 
My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.— 
John V:17. 
EK with us, Lord, we beseech thee, as we go 
from this place to the tasks thou hast ap- 
pointed for us. May we work with our might as 
unto God and not unto man. May we work with 
our minds as for the future, not simply for the past. 


May we work with our hearts as free men and not 
[83] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


as hired servants. What we shall do amiss, forgive; 
what we shall do aright, preserve. Grant unto us 
this day, if it be thy will, the joy of creation, and 
the work of our hands establish thou it. 

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 


[84] 


tXe,. 
FELLOWSHIP IN PRAYER 


Read Genesis XVIII: 20-33; Job XLII: 7-10; 
Philippians I: 3-11 


[A Period of Silence] 


Behold, now, I have taken upon me to speak 
unto the Lord, which am but dust and 
ashes.—Genesis XVIII: 27. 


LMIGHTY and ever-living God, whom ithe 
heaven of heavens cannot contain, yet who 
dost make thine abode with him that is of an 
humble and contrite spirit, grant unto us, thine un- 
worthy servants, we beseech thee, the spirit of peni- 
tence, of humility and of faith as at the opening of 
this new day we make our common supplications 
unto thee. 


Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to 
have you, that he may sift you as wheat, 
but I have prayed for thee that thy faith 
fail not; and when thou art converted, 
strengthen thy brethren.—Luke XXII: 31, 


32. 
[85] 


THE QUIET HOUR | 
() THOU compassionate Christ, who knowest 


us altogether; and in our hour of weakness 
and danger dost make intercession for us; if temp- 
tation shall come to us this day, make us conscious 
of thy sustaining presence; and from our own 
experience of inward victory, may we learn the art 
of helping others, when their hour of trial comes. 


The Lord turned the captivity of Job, when 
he prayed for his friends.—Job XLII: ro. 


THOU great friend of man, who art ever 

bearing us upon thy heart of love, planning 
for each of us more wisely than we can plan for 
ourselves, hear us, we beseech thee, as we bring 
before thee in loving intercession the members of 
our Seminary fellowship who, like ourselves, face 
the mystery and responsibility of this new day. 
Thou whose love surpasses the love of man, and 
whose wisdom is adequate to every experience, 
whether of crisis or of tragedy, be with each of us, 
we pray thee, this day, and grant unto us the 
strength, the guidance, and the inspiration we need. 


God is my witness,... that without ceasing 
I make mention of you always in my 
prayers.—Romans I: 9. 

ATHER in heaven, whose encompassing love 
has set the model for every human home, we 
commit to thy protecting care the dear ones from 


[86] 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 


whom for the time we are separated. Though the 
seas and the years divide us, may we meet daily in 
thy presence, as we make mention of one another 
unceasingly in our prayers. All that we would 
gladly do for them if we could, do thou for them, 
if it be for their good and according to thy fatherly 
will. If they are in sorrow, grant them thy com- 
fort; if they are happy, make them happier still; 
if in sickness, grant them thy healing; if in the 
active work of life, open to them still wider oppor- 
tunities of helpfulness; if they are tempted, 
strengthen them to resist; if they have fallen below 
their best selves, grant unto them, as unto us, re- 
pentance and amendment. 


Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God 
for Israel is, that they might be saved.— 
Romans X:1. 

OD of our fathers and of our fathers’ fathers, 

who in the crises of our national history 

hast raised up leaders who through faith in thee 
have found courage to dare and strength to per- 
severe, be with us today in our hour of national 
opportunity and of national responsibility. For- 
give us our self-satisfaction and our self-indulg- 
ence, our love of money and our love of pleasure, 
our readiness to condemn others and to excuse our- 
selves. Grant us candor to discern thy will for us 
as a nation, and resolution to follow it; and at this 

[87] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


time of the world’s need raise up for us, we beseech 
thee, leaders to go before us into our promised 


land. 


Neither pray I for these alone, but for them 
also which shall believe on me through 
their word.—John XVII: 20. 


THOU great head of the church, to whom 
() in every age the hearts of thy disciples 
have turned for stimulus and guidance, hear us 
now, we beseech thee, as we pray for thy blessing 
upon those in every land who confess thy name 
and own thy right to command. Grant unto them, 
as unto us, the vision of thyself, the risen and tri- 
umphant Savior, who art able to make all things 
new. May we be one in spirit as we are one in 
name, even as thou, Lord, art one with the Father, 
that the world, seeing our unity in faith and hope 
and love, may believe that the Father hath sent 
thee. 


Now unto him who is able to do exceeding 
abundantly above all that we ask or even 
think, according to the power that work- 
eth in us, unto him be glory in the church 
by Christ Jesus throughout all ages. 
Amen. 


[88] 


X 
THE GOOD SHEPHERD 
A, MEDITATION FOR A QUIET HOUR 
Read Psalm XXIII; John X: 7-16 
[A Period of Silence] 


The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.— 

Psalm XXIII: 1. 

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep. 
—John X: 14. 

NSLEEPING God, who in every age hast 
U been the shepherd of thy people, their 
defense in danger, their shelter from the storm, 
we, thy heedless children, grateful for the care 
that has been watching over us while we slept, 
would commit ourselves to thy guidance as we wake 
to this new day. Giver of every good and perfect 
gift, we thank thee most of all for the gift of 
Christ, the Good Shepherd of the flock. Grant 
that we, sheep of thy pasture, may not wander far 
from his protecting care; or, if we stray, may be 
found of him and brought back ere the night fall, 
to thy fold. 

[89] 


THE QUIET HOUR’ 


He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. 
—Psalm XXIII: 2. 

(Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy 
laden; and I will give you rest.—Matthew 
AL: 28. 


THOU who hast formed the day for labor 
() and the night for rest, grant us vigor and 
resolution, we pray thee, as we address ourselves 
to the tasks thou dost assign. If this day thou 
shalt lay upon us responsibilities that seem too 
heavy or test us with burdens that overtax our 
strength, may we remember him who faced for us 
yet heavier responsibility and carried for us a yet 
more crushing load. When the strain seems more 
than we can bear, may we hear thee saying, My 
grace is sufficient for thee; and, committing our- 
selves wholly unto thee, find rest both for body 
and soul. 


He leadeth me beside the still waters.—Psalm 
AXITIL: 2. 

Jesus . .. said unto her, Whosoever drinketh 
of this water shall thirst again: but whoso- 
ever drinketh of the water that I shall 
give him shall never thirst, but the water 
that I shall give him shall be in him a well 
of water, springing up into everlasting 
life—John IV: 13, 14. 

[90] 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 


ASTER Workman, who hast called us to be 

thy fellow workers in thy great task of 
making men; and who, that we may be furnished 
for our task, hast put within us yearnings and 
aspirations that will not let us rest, forgive us that 
when thou dost invite us to drink of the water of 
life, we so often turn aside to springs that cannot 
satisfy. Lead us to the secret source, which alone 
can quench the thirst thou hast awakened. Be in 


us a well of water, springing up unto everlasting 
life. 


He restoreth my soul.—Psalm XXIII: 3. 

Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but: 
whosoever shall lose his life for my sake 
... the same shall save it—Mark VIII: 35. 


LFE-GIVING Spirit, who, to men and women 
iy diseased and disconsolate, art ever bringing 
healing and refreshment, teach us thy secret of 
youth in age, of life in death. When we would 
cling to the little that we have of time or money, 
knowledge or happiness, teach us to spend all 
freely, that we may receive it back a hundredfold. 
When we would husband our waning strength, lest 
there be not enough for our own necessity, reveal 
to us the need of thy children in distress, that for-. 
getting ourselves in them we may fling our life: 
away, to find it given back to us in life more abun-- 
dant. 

[91] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness 
for his name’s sake.—Psalm XXIII: 3. 
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst 
after righteousness, for they shall be 

filled —Matthew V: 6. 


OD of love, who art also the God of law, 

speaking to us in precept and command- 
ment, Thou shalt and thou shalt not; help us to 
recognize in the duty that so often seems to con- 
strain and limit us, thy discipline fitting us for 
freedom. May we find in the surrender of our will 
of the moment, grievous though it seem, a trial 
which shall afterwards yield the peaceable fruits 
of righteousness. Holy Father, who hast given 
us thy law to be a schoolmaster to bring us to 
Christ, help us so to learn the lessons law was 
meant to teach, that we may enter as full-grown 
men and women into the glorious liberty of the 
sons and daughters of God. 


[A Period of Silence] 


Yea, though I walk through the valley of the 
shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for 
thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff 
they comfort me.—Psalm XXIII: 4. 

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd. 
giveth his life for the sheep.—John X: 11. 

[92] 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 


ATHER of mercies and God of all comfort, 

who art ever leading us, through sorrow as 
through joy, in the shadow as in the sunshine; who 
canst make death itself thy messenger opening the 
door into a larger life; when in thy providence we 
shall be called to face the great adventure, either 
in our own person or in the person of those we love, 
may thy companionship rob the darkness of its 
terrors and in the valley of the shadow may we feel 
thy steadying presence. And if the shadow be not 
physical simply, but moral, may we remember him 
who, though sinless, yet for our sakes hung on the 
bitter tree, that through contemplation of his sacri- 
ficial love we may find assurance of thine all-suff- 
cient grace. 

[A Period of Silence] 


Thou preparest a table before me in the pres- 
ence of mine enemies.—Psalm XXIII: 5. 
But I say unto you, Love your enemies... . 
and pray for them which despitefully use 
you.—Matthew V: 44. 
OD of the whirlwind and of the storm, for 
whom nothing is too hard; who canst make 
even the wrath of man to praise thee, we thank thee 
that no obstacle can thwart thy loving purpose, no 
enemy defeat those who put their trust in thee. 
When the strife grows bitter and our foes seem to 
have the mastery, grant us the warrior’s courage 
[93] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


and the warrior’s joy. Following hard after Christ, 
the captain of our salvation, may we learn of him 
a love which hate itself cannot daunt, and forgiv- 
ing as we have been forgiven, share with him the 
victor’s crown. 


Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup 
runneth over.—Psalm XXIII: 5. 
These things have I spoken unto you,.... 
that your joy might be full—John XV: 11. 
OD of the sunshine and of the spring, who 
dost clothe the earth with beauty and hast 
put laughter in the heart of man, we praise thee as 
the author of happiness, we acknowledge thee to 
be the Lord. When our steps falter, and our hearts 
are heavy; when all our world grows dull and sad, 
may we look up to thee, the giver of gladness, that 
in the brightness of thy presence we may find the 
renewal and refreshment we need. Thou who art 
thyself light and life and joy, grant unto us thy 
children thy gift of happiness, that with thankful 
hearts we may praise thy holy name. 


Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all 
the days of my life—Psalm XXIII: 6. 
Lo, I am with you always; even unto the end 
of the world.—Matthew XXVIII: 20. 
TERNAL God, the inexhaustible fountain of 
goodness and mercy, who through the chang- 
ing years remainest ever constant in thy purpose, 


[94] 


THE ENCOMPASSING PRESENCE 


bear with us, thy wayward children, who so easily 
forget thee. Too often, creatures of time and 
change, we are ensnared by the fancy of the mo- 
ment, and turn aside to follow pleasures which, 
like bubbles, vanish at the touch. May we not wait 
till sorrow comes, or failure, to be reminded of thy 
presence, but staying our souls on thee, find good- 
ness and mercy following us all the days of our 


life. 


I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.— 
Psalm XXIII: 6. 

In my Father’s house are many mansions.... 
I go to prepare a place for you.—John 
XIV: 2. 

ND when, our day over, the night falls, and 

we hear thy welcoming voice summoning us 

home, may there be no sadness of farewell, but only 

thankfulness for past mercies and joy in blessings 

still to come. Thou who art the God of the living 

and not of the dead, receive us unto thyself, that 

in the new room thou hast prepared, we may find 

ourselves still at home, and in the new work thou 

dost assign, may continue with ampler powers and 
riper wisdom the service here begun. 


[95] 


Me 


— 
ie 


4 
Se 
yo 
y 





Ill 
THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 
“The Communion of the Holy Spirit.” 


THE HURRYING AGE 


Out of the quiet night they came, 
The songs that were brave and free, 

To the listening ears of the elder seers, 
And is there none for me? 


Up from the hidden deeps of pain, 
Flowed the fancies sweet and true, 

Whose reviving streams were the poets’ dreams, 
And is there none for you? 


Are the stellar spaces tenantless, 
And the whispering voices dumb? 

Has the boundless sea of eternity 
Unto its limit come? 


Or is it for sound of my restless heart, 
In its beating ceaselessly, 

That I camnot hear the voices clear, 
That fain would speak to me? 


And is it for speed of your hasting steps, 
As you range the wide world through, 

That the waters sweet that would reach your feet, 
Still call in vain to you? 


Let this mind be in you, which was also in 
Christ Jesus.—Philippians IT: 5. 

If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old 
things are passed away; behold, all things are 
become new.—II Corinthians V: 17. 

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things 
which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right 
hand of God.—Colossians III: 1. 

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long- 
suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meek- 
ness, temperance.—Galatians V: 22, 23. 

Whether ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do, 
do all to the glory of God.—I Corinthians X: 31. 

I. . . fill up that which is behind of the 
afflictions of Christ . . . for his body’s sake, 
which is the Church.—Colossians I: 24. 

I thank my God upon every remembrance of 
you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, 
making request with joy.—Philippians I: 3, 4. 

The Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with 
groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that 
searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of 
the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the 
saints according to the will of God.—Romans 
VIII: 26, 27. 

Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have 
entered into the heart of man, the things which 
God hath prepared for them who love him.—I 
Corinthians II: 9. 

Love never faileth—I Corinthians XIII: 8. 





I 
POWER FROM ON HIGH 


Read Acts I: 1-3, 6-8a; Acts II: 1-8, 12-18, 21 
[A Period of Silence] 


The former treatise have I made... of all that 
Jesus began both to do and teach.—Acts 
cer, 

LMIGHTY God, who in time past hast re- 
A vealed thyself unto our fathers, we thank 
thee that thou art even now speaking unto us, their 
children. We bless thee for the manifestation of 
thyself which thou hast made through Jesus Christ, 
thy Word made flesh; but we thank thee even more 
for the gift of thy present Spirit, who takes the 
things of Christ and shows them unto us. Make 
us responsive to that gracious influence, and the 
work thou didst begin in the person of our Master, 
continue, we ‘beseech thee, in us, his disciples. 


Ye shall receive power after that the Holy 
Ghost is come upon you.—Acts I: 8. 

THOU living God for whom nothing is too 

hard—giver, to those who trust thee, of such 


good gifts as pass man’s understanding—help us 
[101] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


this day to realize who thou art, and what thou art 
able to do for those who yield themselves com- 
pletely to thee. Thou who didst promise thy Spirit 
to the first disciples that they might be fitted to 
minister in the Master’s name to a world in need, 
impart unto us the power we need to fulfill our 
high calling. 


And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, 
they were all with one accord in one Places 
—Acts II: 1. 

GOD who hast made us different from one 

another, granting to each one of us some- 
thing which is ours alone; thou who knowest that 
in us which none other can know and canst do for 
us that which none other can do, we thank thee for 
those common gifts which we share with all our 
fellows; the gifts of food and shelter; of work and 
rest; of night and day; of sleep and waking. Above 
all we thank thee for thine unspeakable gift vouch- 
safed to us in Jesus Christ, thy very self revealed to 
the. better.self.in each-of us. Help us this day, for 
the moment, to forget the things that separate us, 
that concentrating upon the things in which we are 
at one, we may be prepared to receive whatever 
word thy Spirit shall speak to us. 


And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, 
and began to speak with other tongues, 
[102] 


THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 


as the Spirit gave them utterance.—Acts 

IT: 4. 

PIRIT of wisdom and understanding, who canst 
S open the eyes of the blind and bring to the 
darkened spirit the light of the divine presence, be 
our teacher today. We need not ask thee to come 
to us, for thou art here already—nearer than the air 
we breathe, closer than the thoughts we think. 
Make us rather conscious of thy presence and. re- 
sponsive to thy ministry. Thou who art ever bring- 
ing to remembrance the things of Christ, interpret- 
ing to each new generation the meaning of his life 
for the life of today, grant us understanding hearts, 
that we may apprehend what thou art saying. 
Grant us also persuasive speech that we may be 
able to repeat what we have heard. 


Every man heard them speak in his own 

language.—Acts I1:6. 

ATHER of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, 

who through thy Son hast broken down every 
barrier that separates thy children, help us to learn 
from him the language that all men understand. 
Divided though we be by nationality and race, by 
past education and present environment, may we 
yet share the love which can transcend every differ- 
ence. Teach us so to live that our deeds shall speak 
louder than our words, so that wherever we go and 
whatever we say, those whom we meet may hear us 


[103] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


speak in their own language, since it is not we who 
speak but thy Spirit which speaketh through us. 


This is that which was spoken by the prophet. 

. I will pour out of my Spirit upon all 

flesh; ....and your young men shall see 

visions and your old men shall dream 

dreams, and ... . whosoever shall call 

upon the name a the Lord shall be saved. 
—Acts II: 16, 17, 21. 


OST gracious God, who in our best mo- 
M ments dost give us foretastes of those good 
things which thou hast prepared for those that love 
thee, increase our faith, we beseech thee, in thy 
power and in thy will to do for us exceedingly 
abundantly above all that we ask or even think. 
Thou who in time past hast visited thy people with 
thy blessing, pour forth thy Spirit upon us in this 
latter day. May those of us who are young see 
visions of the better world thou hast in store; may 
those of us who are old be refreshed with dreams 
of the endless life to which thou art inviting us. 
And to all of us, old or young, vouchsafe such a 
vision of thyself, thy love, thy power, thy wisdom, 
thy beauty, that forgetting all lesser things we 
may give ourselves without reserve to thy service, 
and, trusting thee with the simplicity of children, 
may receive the end of our faith, even life for 
evermore. Amen. 


[104] 


Il 
THE CHURCH WHICH IS HIS BODY 
A PRAYER FOR HOLY WEEK 


Read Ephesians I: 3, 4; III: 14-19; IV: 1-16; 
III: 20, 21 


[A Period of Silence] 


Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all 
spiritual blessings . . . . in Christ.— 
Ephesians I: 3. 

GOD who hast promised to those who love 

thee such good things as pass man’s under- 
standing, make us conscious today of thy presence, 
thy goodness, and thy power. In this hour—when 
all over the world men’s thoughts are turning in 
loving remembrance to Jesus Christ our Lord, help 
us to realize our unity with all who put their trust 
in thee. All our lives thou hast been leading us, 

_ even when we knew it not. The simple things we 

take for granted—food and shelter, home and 

friends, work and play, the beauty of the world we 

see, the interest of the thoughts we think—all are 

thine, thy gift to us for our welfare and our hap- 
[105] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


piness. But they cannot do for us all thou dost 
desire unless we realize that they come from thee. 
Open our eyes, we beseech thee, that we may see 
thee as thou art. Thou who hast formed us for 
thyself, reveal thyself unto us this day. 


For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father 
.... that he would grant you:.... to be 
strengthened with might by his Spirit in 
the inner man.—Ephesians III: 14, 16. 


| ATHER of spirits, who hast made us in thine 

own image, we come to thee this day, con- 
scious of our weakness, that thou mayest make us 
strong. Free us, we beseech thee, from the tyranny 
of the little and the near; the haste that is too busy 
to enjoy, the restlessness that can bring nothing to 
completion. May we realize that beneath all 
changes of time and space, all limits of knowledge, 
all instability of will, the foundation of God stand- 
eth sure: The Lord knoweth them that are his. 
Help us to be still and know that thou art God. 
Deliver us from the fear that separates us from 
thee; the fear of the known, the greater fear of the 
unknown. Strengthen us with power in the inner 
man, that, renewing our life from thy divine life, 
we may be free indeed. In this world, so full of 
unanswered questions and of unforeseen dangers, 
may we find in thee a safe refuge and a sure 
defense. 


[106] 


THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 


_ That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; 
that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 
may be able to comprehend with all saints. 
what is the breadth and length and depth 
and height; and to know the love of 
Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye 
might be filled with all the fulness of 
God.—Ephesians III: 17-19. 

GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

() who dost bind together in one bundle of 

life past, present, and future, we praise thee for 

thine unspeakable love, revealed unto us in Jesus 

Christ. As we call to mind the story of his life 

and death, heard so often, appreciated so seldom, 

may we look past the human figure to the unseen 

God whom he reveals. Teach us this day some new 

lesson of that love of God which passeth knowl- 

edge. Thou who hast set eternity in our hearts, 
grant us thy peace. 


There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye 
are called in one hope of your calling; one 
Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and 
Father of all, who is above all and through 

“ all, and in you all—Ephesians IV: 4-6. 
LMIGHTY God, who hast made of one blood 
all nations of men to dwell on all the 
face of the earth, and didst send thy blessed Son to 
preach peace to them that are afar off and to them 
[107] 


= 


THE QUIET HOUR 


that are nigh, grant that all thy children every- 
where may feel after thee and find thee. Especially 
we pray for thy blessing upon thy church, the com- 
pany of faithful people in all lands and in all ages, 
who have heard the call of Christ and are trying 
by thy help to serve and follow him. Take away 
from us all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever 
may hinder us from godly union and concord; that 
as there is but one body and one Spirit and one 
hope of our calling; one Lord, one Faith, one Bap- 
tism, one God and Father of us all, so we may 
be all of one heart and of one soul; united in one 
holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity; 
and may with one mind and one mouth glorify 
thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 


Now that he ascended, what is it but that he 
also descended first into the lower parts of 
the earth? He that descended is the same 
also that ascended up far above all 
heavens, that he might fill all things.— 
Ephesians IV: 9, Io. 


THOU compassionate Christ, who, though 
() thou wast rich, yet for our sakes didst be- 
come poor, that we through thy poverty might be- 
come rich; bearer of our burdens, sharer of our 
infirmities, for us crucified, dead, and buried; hear 
us now, we beseech thee, as we commend unto thee 
in loving intercession all souls whom thou hast 


[108] 


THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 


made. Wherever there is need this day, be thou 
present to help. Wherever there is sorrow, be thou 
there to comfort. Thou who didst come to seek 
and save that which is lost, grant that all who sit 
in darkness and in the shadow of death may feel 
after thee and find thee. Unite again in one un- 
broken family those who are now strangers to one 
another. Thou who art the head of the body, draw 
unto thyself all those for whom thou didst give thy 
life. 


And he gave some, apostles; and some, pro- 
phets; and some, evangelists; and some, 
pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of 
the saints, for the work of the ministry, 
for the edifying of the body of Christ: till 
we all come in the unity of the faith, and 
of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto 
a perfect man; unto the measure of the 
stature of the fulness of Christ.—Ephe- 
sians IV: 11-13. 

THOU great teacher of men, who art ever 

() speaking to us, even when we hear thee not, 

grant us today the receptive spirit that we may be 

able‘to receive what thou art ready to impart. Thou 

who in every age hast been revealing thyself to thy 

church through prophets and sages, apostles and 

saints, art even now speaking to us. As we thank- 

fully receive that special word which is meant for 
[109] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


us alone, may we be no less grateful for those 
other words thou art speaking to other children 
of thine. May each new experience of thee bring 
us closer to our fellows, that growing from day to 
day in thy knowledge and thy love, we may enter 
ever more completely into the communion of saints. 


I... beseech you that ye walk worthy of the 
vocation wherewith ye are called, with all 
lowliness and meekness, with long suffer- 
ing, forbearing one another in love; en- 
deavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit 
in the bond of peace.—Ephesians IV: 1-3. 
BOVE all, O Father, make us faithful to the 

light we have. Thou dost invite us to be 

thy ministers to men in need. Help us to walk 
worthily of the calling wherewith we are called. 
May we be humble, as our Master was humble, 
compassionate as he was compassionate, loving as 
he was loving, diligent as he was diligent. As we 
go out from this hour of privilege to take up our 
wonted duty, go thou with us; that through thy 
constant companionship, ever more vividly realized, 
we may be enabled to keep the unity of the Spirit 
in the bond of peace. 


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the 
love of God and the communion of the 
Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen. 

[110] 


It 
SEEING THINGS IN PROPORTION 
Read I Corinthians I: 10-17; III: 1-9; 21-23 
[A Period of Silence] 


I beseech you, brethren, by . .. our Lord 
Jesus Christ . . . that there be no divi- 
sions among you.—TI Corinthians I: ro. 


LMIGHTY God, who through thy Son, Jesus 
Christ, our Lord, hast broken down the 
middle wall of partition between nations and races, 
grant unto us, men and women of many countries 
and of many creeds, thy spirit of unity. Help us 
this day to rise above our divisions of taste and of 
inclination, of prejudice and of self-will, and to 
see ourselves, as thou seest us, children of a com- 
mon Father, sinners needing a common forgiveness, 
sorrowing hearts needing a common comfort, 
workers engaged upon a common task, recruits 
summoned to a common service. 


Now this I say, that every one of you saith: I 
am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of 
Cephas; and I of Christ.—I Corinthians 
E12; 

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THE QUIET HOUR 


ORGIVE us, Lord, our offences of mind and 

heart and will; our pride of opinion and un- 
willingness to learn; that we have so often made 
our own preference, our standard for judging 
others, and closed our ears to the new word thou 
art speaking to us through them. Deliver us from 
all provincialism and sectarianism of thought or 
feeling. Open our minds to truth wherever found, 
and our hearts to goodness by whomsoever illus- 
trated. May we never substitute the disciple for 
the Master, or make our individual apprehension 
of the world’s Christ our excuse for refusing fel- 
lowship with those for whom he gave his life. 


Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for 
you?—I Corinthians I: 13. 


LORD and Master of us all, who, though 

thou wast rich, yet for our sakes didst be- 
come poor, that we through thy poverty might be 
made rich, reveal thyself unto us this day as the 
helper and leader we need. Thou who on Calvary 
didst uncover the heart of God, speak to us thy 
word of forgiveness and peace. Bind us by the 
cords of thy constraining love to all thy children 
everywhere, who, hungering and thirsting, as we 
hunger and thirst, have found in thee the bread 
from heaven and the water of life. 


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THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 


Who, then, is Paul, and who is Apollos, but 
ministers by whom ye believed. .. . Now 
he that planteth and he that watereth are 
one.—I Corinthians III: 5, 8. 

E thank thee, Lord of heaven and earth, for. 
all thy servants, living and dead, through 

whom thy healing word has come to us; for all 
who have borne witness by word and life to Christ’s 
power to enlighten and to renew—for Abraham and 
Moses and Isaiah; for Paul and Apollos and 
Peter; for Augustine and Francis and Aquinas; 
for Luther and Calvin and Wesley; for all the in- 
numerable company, known to us and unknown, 
who have fought the good fight and run the straight 
race. Especially we thank thee for those near and 
dear to us—fathers and mothers, teachers and 
friends—through whom thou hast spoken to us in 
more intimate ways; in whose lives, lived in our 
presence day by day, we have seen reflected the 
radiance of thy love. 


Therefore, let no man glory in man; for all 
things are yours; whether Paul or Apollos 
or Cephas or the world or life or death 
or things present or things to come.— 
I Corinthians III: 21, 22. 

RACIOUS God, who, possessing all things, 
art ever sharing what thou hast with those 
who lack; suffer us not, children whom thou dost 


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THE QUIET HOUR 


invite to be partakers of thy riches, to live longer 
in poverty and limitation. Thou who art every- 
where, and Master everywhere, reveal unto us thy 
presence, thy power and thy love. In nature, in the 
lives of men, in sorrow and in joy, in life and in 
death, in the fleeting present and in the unknown 
future, help us to perceive thine overruling hand 
outstretched to us. May we hear thee saying to us 
this day, All things are yours. 


And ye are Christ’s: and Christ is God’s.— 
I Corinthians III: 23. 


AY we hear thy word, and understand and 
M obey—that word, not spoken only but lived 
by him who loved us and gave himself for us: Who- 
soever will save his life shall lose it, but whosoever 
shall lose his life for my sake and the Gospel’s, the 
same shall save it. Surrendered to Christ, may we 
through that surrender become joint heirs with 
Christ of all the universe of God. 

In his name we ask it. Amen. 


[114] 


IV 
THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 
Read Galatians V: 13-26; VI: 7-9 
[A Period of Silence] 


For, brethren, ye have been called unto 
liberty; only use not liberty for an occa- 
sion to the flesh, but by love serve one 
another.—Galatians V: 13. 


LMIGHTY God, who hast formed us for 
A thyself, that we may share thy divine and 
satisfying life, reveal thyself to us this morning, as 
we are met in thy presence, a little company of thy 
children, whom thou dost invite to share thy gift 
of freedom. Help us to use this great gift in a 
manner worthy of the giver, not making our liberty 
an excuse for self-indulgence, but in the school of 
love learning how to become helpers of one an- 
other. 


The fruit of the Spirit is love.—Galatians V: 
22. 

Beloved, let us love one another; for love is 
of God; and everyone that loveth is born 
of God and knoweth God. He that loveth 

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THE QUIET HOUR 


not, knoweth not God; for God is love.— 
I John IV: 7, 8. 


THOU who didst not spare thine only be- 
() gotten Son, but didst give him freely for us 
all, and dost invite us to follow in thy footsteps, 
grant us thy gift of love. 


The fruit of the Spirit is joy.—Galatians 
V >; 22. 

Thou wilt show me the path of life. In thy 
presence is fulness of joy; at thy right 
hand are pleasures for evermore.—Psalm 
AVI: 11. 


THOU who delightest in thy works; who 

dost clothe the earth with beauty, and givest 
radiance to the sun; Spirit of gladness in the heart 
of man, grant us thy gift of joy. 


The fruit of the Spirit is peace.—Galatians 
Mica2, 

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto 
you; not as the world giveth, give I 
unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, 
neither let it be afraid—John XIV: 27. 


THOU gracious God, who dost grant unto 
() those who trust and follow Christ the peace 
that passeth understanding, grant us thy gift of 
peace, 


[116] 


THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 


The fruit of the Spirit is long-suffering.— 
Galatians V: 22. 

Love suffereth long and is kind. Love... 
beareth all things, believeth all things, 
hopeth all things, endureth all things. 
Love never faileth—I Corinthians XIII: 
Oe pe 
LMIGHTY and most merciful God, who dost 

A bear our sins and carry our infirmities, and 

art waiting even now for the open door through 

which thy grace may enter in; grant us thy gift of 
patience. 


The fruit of the Spirit is kindness.—Galatians 
Vi: 22. 

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to 
anger and plenteous in mercy. He will 
not always chide; neither will he keep his 
anger forever ... Wherefore ... be ye 
kind, one to another, tender-hearted, for- 
giving one another, even as God, for 
Christ’s sake, hath forgiven you.—Psalm 
CIII: 8, 9; Ephesians IV: 25, 32. 

THOU hearer and answerer of prayer, who 

O art ever more ready to give than we to ask, 

and didst say to us by the lips of thy Son our Lord, 

It is more blessed to give than to receive, soften our 

hard hearts, we beseech thee, and grant us thy gift 

of kindness. 
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THE QUIET HOUR 


The fruit of the Spirit is goodness.—Galatians 
Visas 

And behold, one came and said unto him, Good 
Master, what good thing shali I do that I 
may have eternal life? And he said unto 
him, Why callest thou me good? There is 
none good, but one, that is God.— Matthew 
AIX: 16, 17. 


THOU righteous God, who through thy 
() Spirit dost convict us of sin, forgive us, we 
beseech thee, for all that we have done amiss in 
deed, in word, and in our secret thoughts; and 
grant us, if it be thy will, thy gift of goodness. 


The fruit of the Spirit is faithfulness.—Gala- 
tians V: 22. 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just 
to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us 
from all unrighteousness ... It is required 
in stewards that a man be found faithful 
... If we are faithless, he abideth faithful. 
—I John 1:9; I Corinthians IV:2; II 
Timothy II: 13. 


TERNAL God, whose word abideth forever 
EK and whose promise changeth not; thou who 
hast made us, weak and changeful mortals, stew- 
ards of the mystery of thy grace, grant us thy gift 
of fidelity. 

[118] 


THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 


The fruit of the Spirit is meekness.—Galatians 
V 323. 

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye 
which are spiritual restore such an one in 
the spirit of meekness; considering thy- 
self, lest thou also be tempted .. . Blessed 
are the meek, for they shall inherit the 
earth.—Galatians VI:1; Matthew V: 5. 


ATHER in heaven, who through Christ our 

Master hast given us an example of lowly 
service, suffer us not to think of ourselves more 
highly than we ought to think. Thou who dost bid 
us to be perfect, even as thou art perfect, grant us 
thy gift of meekness. 


The fruit of the Spirit is temperance.—Gala- 
tians V: 23. 

I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the 
mercies of God, that ye present your 
bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable 
unto God; ... and be not conformed to 
this world, but be ye transformed by the 
renewing of your mind—Romans XII: 
Trea: 

APTAIN of our salvation, who, tempted like 
as we are, didst fight the good fight of faith, 
be thou our helper in our struggle for mastery this 
day. When temptation besets us without or within, 
grant us thy gift of self-control. 
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THE QUIET HOUR 


Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due 
season we shall reap if we faint not.— 
Galatians VI: 9. 


LMIGHTY God, who hast given us grace at 
this time with one accord to make our com- 
mon supplications unto thee, and dost promise that 
when two or three are gathered together in thy 
name, thou wilt grant their request; fulfil now the 
desires and petitions of thy servants as may be most 
expedient for us; granting us in this world knowl- 
edge of thy truth and in the world to come, life 
everlasting. Amen. 


[120] 


V 
THE DEEP THINGS OF GOD 
Read I Corinthians I: 18, 22-25; II: 1-10 
[A Period of Silence] 


Christ crucified, . . . unto them which are 
called, ... the power of God and the wis- 
dom of God.—I Corinthians I: 23, 24. 


LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, 
A searcher of the hearts of men, for whom 
nothing is too great and nothing too small, we, thy 
weak and erring children, draw near to thee this 
morning for the guidance and renewal we need for 
the day’s task. Open our eyes, we beseech thee, 
that we may understand thy purpose for us. 
Strengthen our wills that we may be able to per- 
form it. Interpret to us the mystery of the cross, 
that we may be able to interpret it to others. Take 
away the wilfulness which so often makes it a stum- 
bling block. Purge us of the pride which so often 
finds it foolishness. May it become to us as to 
thine apostle wisdom and power. 


We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery.— 
I Corinthians IT: 7. 
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THE QUIET HOUR 
h TERNAL Father, whom the heaven of heavens 


cannot contain; thou who dost hide thyself 
from the wise and prudent that thou mayest reveal 
thyself unto babes, grant unto us this day the 
spirit of children with their father. There is so 
much in life that we cannot understand, so much 
that is hard to bear. We come into thy presence, 
a company of students trying to push our way a 
little further through the shadows. We are com- 
passed about with mystery; the mystery of life and 
the mystery of death; the mystery of love and the 
mystery of hate; the mystery of joy and the mystery 
of sorrow; the mystery of sin and the mystery of 
the cross. O thou who art thyself the mystery of 
mysteries, part the clouds that hide thy face and 
reveal thyself unto us this day. 


For I determined not to know anything among 
you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified. 
—I Corinthians IT: 2. 


THOU God of love, who art ever seeking to 
‘@) save that which is lost, and who, through 
Jesus Christ, dost invite us to share thy ministry 
of reconciliation, look down upon us, we beseech 
thee, this company of friends and fellow students, 
so soon to separate for the summer rest. Be with 
each one of us in the unknown experiences which 
lie before us. Go with those of us whose work here 
is finished, and fit us for the new work and larger 

[122] 


THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 


responsibilities we are taking up. Return with 
those who shall return, that we may bring with us 
treasures of insight and sympathy which we have 
received from thee. Whether we go or whether we 
return, keep us ever an unbroken company, one in 
faith in thee, one in love for man. May we de- 
termine to know nothing save Jesus Christ and him 
crucified, that knowing him, we may know thee, 
from whom he came forth, and the men for whom 
he came. 


And my speech and my preaching was not 
with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but 
in demonstration of the Spirit and of 
power.—I Corinthians II: 4. 


EAR us now, O Father, as we bring before 
thee in loving intercession all those chil- 
dren of thine, known to us or unknown, whom thou 
art seeking to win for thyself. Thou who didst 
choose our humanity to be the channel of thy self- 
revelation, make us reverent of personality wher- 
ever it is found. Increase our faith in the better 
man in men. Vouchsafe to us such experience of 
thy power to transform and to renew that nothing 
shall seem too hard for thee. When our human 
powers fail, help us to draw on thy divine reserve. 
May we not rely on the persuasive words of our 
own wisdom, but on the power of thy creative 
Spirit. 
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THE QUIET HOUR 


Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that 
are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this 
world.—I Corinthians IT: 6. 

BOVE all, O compassionate one, grant us thy 
A gift of wisdom. May we see men, as thou 
seest them, with their unspoken longings, their un- 
suspected aspirations, the secret shame that mas- 
querades as pride, the unconfessed fear that cloaks 
itself with bravado. Make us patient as thou art 
patient; content to wait the moment, however long 
delayed, when the closed door shall open and love 
may enter in. Thou who dost lay upon us a task 
too great for man, impart unto us thy wisdom. 


Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have 
entered into the heart of man the things 
which God hath prepared for them that 
love him.—I Corinthians II: 9. 

RACIOUS God, who art ever more ready to 

Cc give than we to receive, and hast prepared 
for those who love thee such good gifts as pass 
man’s understanding, fulfil now the desires and 
petitions of thy servants, as may be most expe- 
dient for us. Help us to live this day, as befits the 
children of the eternal, looking ever to thee for 
the light and strength we need. Thou who art the 
source of all good and the satisfaction of all de- 
sire, grant us thy peace. Amen. 


[124] 


VI 


HOW TO LIVE IN HEAVEN 
WHILE STILL ON EARTH 


Read Colossians II: 13, 14, 16, 17, 20-23; III: 
I-17 


[A Period of Silence] 


Set your affection on things above; not on 
things on the earth.—Colossians IIT: 2. 
RACIOUS God, who through thy Son Jesus 
Christ our Lord, hast set us free from the 
precepts and commandments of men, and dost open 
to us the whole world of knowledge and experi- 
ence from which to choose what we shall make our 
own, teach us how to use thy gift of choice, 
aright. Thou who dost lend to each creature which 
thou hast made something of thyself which outlasts 
time and change, help us to learn from the things 
of sense the lessons they were meant to teach, that, 
following eagerly after the best, we may live here 
and now as seeing him who is invisible. 


(Put away) uncleanness.—Colossians III: 5. 
GOD who hast given us the body to be the 
home of the spirit, and canst make of every 


sense the avenue by which to enter in and dwell 
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THE QUIET HOUR 


with us, fill us so completely with thyself that we 
shall have no room for anything that is debasing or 
unclean. Spirit of holiness, who by thine indwell- 
ing canst make our mortal body a temple of the 
living God, help us this day to purify thy house, 
that it may become an habitation worthy of the 
Most High. 


(Put away) malice.—Colossians III: 5. 


ATHER of Spirits, who art ever speaking to 

us through the lips of our brother men; by 
their failures appealing to our compassion, by 
their triumphs stimulating us to emulation, deliver 
us, we beseech thee, from envy, malice, and all un- 
charitableness. Spirit of unity who hast made us 
for one another, that what one lacks, the other may 
supply, teach us to see the best in every man we 
meet, and to rejoice in it as thy good gift to us. 


(Put away) covetousness, which is idolatry.— 
Colossians III: 5. 


OD of the sun and of the sea, of the moun- 
tain and of the plain, who hast stored the 
hills with iron and coal and dost visit the earth with — 
seedtime and harvest, that thy children may have 
food and warmth and shelter; forgive us that so 
often we seek to appropriate to our own use the 
goods thou hast provided for all thy children. 
Thou who hast formed us for thyself, help us to 
[126] 


THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 


realize that no gift of thine is truly possessed until 
it is shared, and through love of men may we rise 
to love of God. 


Put on... humility.—Colossians III: 12. 
() THOU who art from everlasting to ever- 


lasting, the source of all life, the stimulus 
of all desire, for whom we were made and without 
whom we must ever remain restless and incom- 
plete, grant us today, we beseech thee, the hu- 
mility that befits the children of the eternal. Spirit 
of purity and truth, who art able to do for us more 
than we can ask or even think, make us conscious 
of thy presence, we beseech thee. We would open 
to thee the door of our heart; enter in and be our 
guest this day. 


Put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. 
—Colossians III: 14. 


LL-SEEING God, who in the wisdom of thy 
love dost see in us, thine erring and imper- 

fect children, limitless possibilities of usefulness 
and happiness, help us to look upon others with the 
same understanding sympathy wherewith thou dost 
regard us. Amid all that is divisive and repellent, 
barriers of temperament and of habit, of misunder- 
standing and of prejudice, may we perceive the 
capacities of goodness and of beauty which thou 
hast planted in every human life; that, seeing as 

[127] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


thou seest, we may love as thou lovest and trust 
as thou dost trust. 


Let the peace of God rule in your hearts,.... 
and be ye thankful.—Colossians III: 15. 


THOU long-suffering God, who dost bear 
() upon thy heart the sorrow and sin of the 
world, and dost invite us to share the cost and the 
reward of thy ministry of love, grant us thy peace 
—the peace of Christ which the world can neither 
give nor take away. Go with us now as we sepa- 
rate to our several tasks, and whatever the day may 
bring, of success or failure, of sorrow or joy, may 
we be conscious that thou art sharing our experi- 
ence, and be thankful. Amen. 


[128] 


Vil 
PAUL’S WAY OF KEEPING YOUNG 


Remember now thy Creator in the days of 
thy youth, while the evil days come not, 
nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt 
say, I have no pleasure in them.— 
Ecclesiastes XII: 1. 


Read Ecclesiastes XII:1-7; II Corinthians 
IV: 15-18; V: 11-19 
[A Period of Silence] 


A New BEGINNING 


The days of our years are three score years 
and ten, and if, by reason of strength, they 
be four score years; yet is their strength 
labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, 
and we fly away.—Psalm XC: ro. 

If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. 
—II Corinthians V: 17. 


THOU God of life, who art ever fashioning 
shapes of wonder and beauty, inexhaustible 
fountain of joy to those who stay their hearts upon 
thee, we, thy children, draw near to thee at the 
beginning of this new day for the renewal thou 
alone canst provide. For the refreshment that has 


come to us in sleep, we thank thee. But more we 
[129] 


THE QUIET HOUR 





thank thee for the tasks that summon, now that 
day is come. For youth we thank thee, with its 
open door and sense of boundless -possibilities. 
But most of all we thank thee that when the years. 
bring added strain, thou hast a spring at which 
we can renew our youth, so that every day shall 
be a new beginning and every year a portal usher- 
ing us into a larger life. 


A New FRIENDSHIP 


For the love of Christ constraineth us.—II 
Corinthians V: 14. 

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the 
servant knoweth not what his lord doeth; 
but I have called you friends; for all 
things that I have heard of my Father I 
have made known to you.—John XV: 15. 


GOD, who hast made us for one another, we 
() thank thee for thy gift of friendship—for 
the enrichment of life that comes to us through the 
exchange of experience, as heart opens to heart and 
mind holds converse with mind. But most of all, 
we thank thee for Jesus Christ, the friend of friends, 
through whom thou art ever opening to us new 
vistas and inviting us to fresh experience. Yield- 
ing ourselves in willing surrender to the constraint 
of his love, may we find in fellowship with him a 
means of entrance into other hearts. 

[130] 


THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 


A New Purpose 


He died for all, that they which live should 
not henceforth live unto themselves, but 
unto him which died for them and rose 
again.—II Corinthians V: 15. 

Forgetting those things which are behind and 
reaching forth unto those things which 
are before, I press toward the mark for 
the prize of the high calling of God in 
Christ Jesus.—Philippians III: 13b, 14. 
LL-SEEING Father, who in thy wisdom canst 

A gather into an ordered whole the separate 

happenings of lives, in themselves conflicting and 

incomplete, we, thy human children, would invoke 
thy guidance at the beginning of this new day. 

Take our discordant desires, we beseech thee, and 

harmonize them with thy dominant purpose. Open 

our eyes to the larger whole of which we are a part. 

Fix them upon the cross and him who hung thereon, 

that dying with Christ to our baser selves and 

rising again into newness of life, we may hence- 
forth live not for ourselves, but for him who loved 
us and gave himself for us. 


A New INTEREST 


Old things are passed away; behold, all things 
are become new.—II Corinthians V: 17. 
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or what- 
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THE QUIET HOUR 


soever ye do, do all to the glory of God.— 
I Corinthians X: 31. 

OD of the world without and of the world 
C within, for whom nothing is too great and 
nothing too small, we rejoice that into whatever 
part of thy wonderful world our steps may wander, 
we shall find thee there. We thank thee for those 
rare moments of insight when at some crisis of our 
life we have felt thy presence uplifting or con- 
straining. Help us to remember that there is no 
task so common, no drudgery so monotonous, but 
if our eyes be open we may find thee sharing it with 
us. Open our eyes to see thee here and now; go 
with us in the next step and the next. Glorify each 
least thing we do with the dignity of thy compan- 
ionship; whether we eat or drink, work or play, 
rejoice or suffer, whatsoever we do, may we do all 
to thy glory. 


A New SENSE OF OWNERSHIP 
All things are of God, who hath reconciled us 
to himself by Jesus Christ—II Cor- 
inthians V: 18. 
All (things) are yours; and ye are Christ’s, 
and Christ is God’s.—I Corinthians III: 21, 
23. 

ORD of all being, Maker and Master of the 
|B world and all that dwell therein, we thank 
thee that in thy treasure house there is ample store 

[132] 


THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 


for the need of every child of thine. Forgive us 
that in our desire to possess and to enjoy, we so 
often seek to appropriate to our own use goods 
which thou hast designed for all thy children. 
Teach us that as no man liveth to himself, so no 
man owneth by himself. May we hold all that we 
have as a trust to be used for the furtherance of 
thy Kingdom. If in thy providence thou shalt call 
us to give it back, may we do so without repining, 
knowing that possessing thee, we possess all things, 
and that in all thy universe there is nothing, which, 
rightly approached, may not be ours to use and to 
enjoy. 
A New SENSE OF PARTNERSHIP 


God . . . hath given to us the ministry of 
reconciliation.—II Corinthians V: 18. 
For we are laborers together with God.—I 

Corinthians III: 9g. 


LORD, our Lord, how manifold are thy 

works. In wisdom hast thou made them all 
—the starry heavens with their sparkling lights, 
the fruitful earth with its ample store, the heart 
of man with its joys and sorrows, its hopes and 
fears. Who are we, Lord, creatures of time and 
change, that watching thee at thy creative task, we 
should hear thee saying unto us, Come, fellow 
worker, share with me the joy of making my world? 
Lord, we are not worthy of this gift of gifts, this 

[133] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


trust of trusts, but we would be made worthy. 
Fashion us again after thy heart’s desire, that re- 
made by thee we may become partners with thee in 
thy creative work. 


A New Dynamic 


For (this) cause we faint not; but though our 
outward man perish, yet the inward man 
is renewed day by day.—II Corinthians 
IV: 16. 

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and 
the young men shall utterly fall. But they 
that wait upon the Lord shall renew their: 
strength; they shall mount up with wings 
as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; 
they shall walk and not faint.—Isaiah 
XL: 30, 31. 

“FORD, what a change within us one short 

hour 
Spent in thy presence will prevail to make: 

What heavy burdens from our bosoms take. 
What parched grounds revive, as with a shower! 
We kneel, and all around us seems to lower: 

We rise, and all, the distant and the near, 

Stands forth in sunny outline brave and clear. 
We kneel, how weak: we rise how full of power! 


Why therefore should we do ourselves this wrong 


Or others, that we are not always strong; 
[134] 


THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 


That we are ever overborne with care, 
That we should ever weak and heartless be, 
Anxious or troubled, when with us is prayer, 
And joy and strength and courage are with thee.” 
—Trench: Sonnet on Prayer. 


O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom 
and the knowledge of God! How un- 
searchable are his judgments, and his 
ways past finding out!... For of him, and 
through him, and to him, are all things. 
To whom be glory for ever. Amen— 
Romans XI: 33, 36. 


[135] 


Vill 
THE MIND OF CHRIST 


Bringing into captivity every thought to the 
obedience of Christ.—II Corinthians X: 5. 
X: 5. 


Read Philippians II: 5-11; IV: 1, 4-8 
[A Period of Silence] 


Tuinkinc WiTH CHRIST 


Let this mind be in you which was also in 
Christ Jesus.—Philippians IT: 5. 

GOD, who hast made us in thine own image, 

and given us the gift of thought that we may 
be able to understand the meaning of thy handi- 
work and to use it aright, be with us now, we be- 
seech thee, as with reverent hearts and receptive 
spirits we draw near to thee to receive the illumi- 
nation we need. We thank thee for every word 
thou hast spoken to us and art speaking today—in 
nature, in history, in the Bible, through thy church, 
in the familiar experiences of every day. But most 
of all, we thank thee for Jesus Christ, thy word 
made flesh, through whom thou hast translated all 
thine other words into the language of life, and 

[136] 


THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 


art drawing us to thyself by the contagion of love. 
Help us to understand what we see in him; inter- 
pret to us what we feel concerning him. Be our 
teacher as with expectant faith we seek to enter 
into the mind of Christ. 


Asout HIMSELF 


Who, being in the form of God, thought it not 
a prize to be on an equality with God; but 
emptied himself, taking the form of a 
servant.—Philippians IT: 6, 7. 

UFFER us not to be deceived, Lord, by the 
lowly guise in which thy Christ comes to us; 
but recognizing in him thy messenger, may we open 
mind and heart alike to his approach. Help us to 
think of him as he thinks of himself—as the bringer 
of thy salvation and the interpreter of thy 
love. Yielding ourselves to him in docility and 
faith, may we find in him the way we seek, the truth 
we need, the life we crave. 


ABOUT OURSELVES 


Being found in fashion as a man, he humbled 
himself.—Philippians II: 8. 

ELP us to think of ourselves, Lord, as Christ 
thinks of us—as comrades invited to share 

with him his ministry of love. Grant us humility 
to learn thy will, patience to submit to thy disci- 
pline, resolution to withstand thine adversaries, 

[137] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


fortitude to bear thy cross. May no task be so 
lowly but we shall be quick to stoop to it at thy 
bidding; no responsibility so exacting but we shall 
receive it with joy at thy hand. Following our 
Master step by step—in the darkness as in the light 
—may we find thy word fulfilled in us, My strength 
is made perfect in weakness. 


Aspout FAILURE 


(He) became obedient to death, even the 
death of the cross.—Philippians IT: 8. 


AY we think of suffering as he would have 
us think of it—as a discipline sent us by 
our Father for our good. May we think of death 
as he would have us think of it—as the gateway by 
which we may enter into life more abundant. When 
our best efforts fail and our task seems unfulfilled, 
may we remember him who for our sakes endured 
reproach more bitter and failure more heartbreak- 
ing. May we think of the cross_as he would have 
us think of it—as the measure of God’s love for 
needy and sinful men, 


Axsout SUCCESS 


Wherefore also God hath highly exalted him, 
and given him a name that is above every 
name; that at the name of Jesus every 
knee should bow . . . and every tongue 
should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, 

[138] 


THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 


to the glory of God the Father.—Philip- 
pians II: 9, 10, 11. 


BOVE all, O Lord, help us to measure suc- 
cess by the standard of our Master. When 
all men speak well of us, may we be on our guard, 
lest they praise us for what thou dost disapprove. . 
May we not be content with any transient success, | 
but coveting earnestly the best, find reward where 
Christ found it—in the victory of the cause for 
which he gave his all, the triumph of that kingdom 
from which selfishness shall be forever banished 
and where love shall be supreme. 


Asout Work 


Wherefore, my beloved, . . . work out your 
own salvation with fear and trembling. 
For it is God which worketh in you both 
to will and to do of his good pleasure.— 
Philippians ITI: 12, 13. 


O with us now, we beseech thee, to our sev- 

eral tasks. May we do each thing that we 

do with our might, as unto the Lord and not unto 

men. When we are perplexed, lighten our dark- 

ness; when we are weak, grant us thy strength; 

when we are fearful, lend us thy courage. Work 

thou within us both to will and to do of thy good 

pleasure, and may thy blessing crown the work 
thou hast thyself begun. 

[139] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


Asout LEISURE 


Finally, my brethren, whatsoever things are 
true, whatsoever things are honest, what- 
soever things are just, whatsoever things 
are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, 
whatsoever things are of good report; if 
there be any virtue and if there be any 
praise, think on these things.—Philip- 
pians IV: 8. 


OT in our hours of labor only, Lord, but in 
our hours of leisure grant us thy compan- 
ionship. May every moment be filled with thoughts 
of things lovely and of good report. May nothing 
base or petty find lodgment in the mind thou hast 
chosen for thy habitation; but fixing our eyes upon 
our Master, may we be changed more and more into 
his image, till by thy grace every thought we think 
shall be brought into willing conformity to the 
mind of Christ. 


The peace of God which passeth all under- 
standing keep your hearts and minds. 
Through Jesus Christ. Amen. 


[140] 


IX 
THE MORE EXCELLENT WAY 


Read I Corinthians XII:31; XIII; I John 
| IV: 7-12, 18-21 


[A Period of Silence] 


A ...more excellent way show I unto you.— 
I Corinthians XIT: 31. 


ATHER of lights, of whose radiance our best 
| Deanne are but broken reflections, look down 
upon us, we beseech thee, a company of thy chil- 
dren, separated from one another by barriers of 
ignorance and of misunderstanding, which, with- 
out thy help, we cannot overpass. Thou, O Lord, 
knowest us altogether—our secret thoughts, our 
unconfessed desires, each hidden shame, each un- 
realized aspiration. Interpret us to one another. 
Grant us thy love—the love that hopes all things 
and believes all things; the love that suffers long 
and is kind; the love that seeks not its own: that is 
not easily provoked; the love that rejoices not in 
iniquity but rejoices in the truth; the love that 
can overcome all obstacles and break down all, 
barriers, because it understands. 


[141] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


Though I speak with the tongues of men and 
of angels and have not love, I am become 
as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.— 
I Corinthians XIII: 1. - 

E thank thee, Lord, for thy gift of speech; 

that thou hast not left us solitary in thy 
world, shut up each one in the prison of his own 
thoughts, but hast given us a tongue to speak the 
word that is in our hearts. We thank thee for all 
the voices that have spoken to us in the past— 
voices of poets and of prophets, of scholars and of 
seers—interpreting thy purposes and inviting us to 
thy service. Grant us thy gift of utterance. Speak 
through us, Lord, thy word of healing and of 
power; but above all, Lord, grant us thy love, 
without which all that we say will be but as 
sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 


And though I have the gift of prophecy, and 
understand all mysteries and all knowl- 
edge, and though I have all faith, so 
that I can move mountains, and have 
not love, I am nothing.—I Corinthians 
XIII: 2. 


E thank thee, Lord, for thy gift of knowl- 

edge; that in this world so full of won- 

derful things to see and to enjoy, thou hast not left 

us blind. We thank thee for the many doors by 

which we may enter into the meaning of thy world: 
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THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 


the door of science, with its revelation of law; the 
door of experience, which brings the distant near; 
above all, the door of faith, with its assurance of 
new worlds still undiscovered, new beauties still 
undisclosed. Help us to remember that all our 
knowledge is nothing worth if we know not love; 
that faith itself is impotent to save if it be not 
faith that works by love. 


And though I bestow all my goods to feed the 
poor, and though I give my body to be 
burned, and have not love, it profiteth me 
nothing.—I Corinthians XIII: 3. 


% 7E thank thee, Lord, for thy gift of action; 
that when words fail us, we have another 
language, even the language of the deed. For all 
thy saints, we thank thee, who have given their 
goods to feed the poor; for all Christ’s martyrs, 
who have given their bodies to be burned, we bless 
thy holy name. Grant unto us like courage and 
like consecration. Help us not only to say, Lord, 
Lord, but to do thy will. But suffer us never to 
forget that all that we do will profit us nothing 
if it be not done at love’s bidding, and all that we 
surrender will be nothing worth if it be not given 
up for love’s sake. 


And now abideth faith, hope, love; these 
three. But the greatest of these is love. 
[143] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


Love never faileth—I Corinthians XIII: 
13, 8. 
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of 
God.—I John IV: 7. | 
THOU God of love, who didst not spare 
thine only begotten Son, but didst give him 
up for our sakes, that whosoever believeth on him 
should not perish, but have everlasting life; we 
thank thee most of all that the life to which thou 
dost invite us is the life of love. Thou who hast 
made us for thyself, make us like thyself. Teach 
us thy secret, that loving thee, who hast first loved 
us, we may learn to love one another. Amen. 


Now the God of peace that brought again 
from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great 
shepherd of the sheep, through the blood 
of the everlasting covenant, makes us per- 
fect in every good work to do his will, 
working in us that which is well-pleasing 
in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to 
whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 
—Hebrews XIII: 20, 21. 


[144] 


x 
MORE THAN CONQUERORS 


A THANKSGIVING AT THE CLOSE OF THE 
YEAR 


Read Romans I:1, 7-12; VIII: 28, 31, 32, 35- 
39; Philippians III: 13-16 


[A Period of Silence] 
LMIGHTY God, who through various experi- 


ences of joy and sorrow hast brought us 
safely to the beginning of this new year, we thank 
thee for the love and care which have been our con- 
stant companions during the year that has closed. 
As we pause for a moment to look back, before we 
turn to meet the new experiences that await us, we 
would acknowledge with grateful hearts the mani- 
fold blessings which we have received at thy hands. 
Giver of every good and perfect gift, we praise thy 
holy name for the gifts thou hast given us. _ 
For every lesson learned of the meaning of life; 
of thy purpose for us and for thy world; 


WE THANK THEE. 


For every experience that has brought us a fresh 
[145] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


realization of thy presence and reminded us that 
thou hast not left us alone in the world; 


WE THANK THEE. 


For the sense of dependence that has come with 
failure, and the spirit of penitence that has come 
after sin; for the heart that is restless till it find 
its rest in thee; 


WE THANK THEE. 


For things denied on which we had set our 
hearts; for things granted for which we were not 
wise enough to ask; 


WE THANK THEE. 


For the familiar contacts of home and friends; 
for the gift of human fellowship, revealing to us 
capacities in others and in ourselves of which we 
had else been ignorant; making it possible for us 
to understand, as we could not otherwise have done, 
thy fellowship with us; 


WE THANK THEE. 


For the privilege of study; for all the treasures 
of wisdom and knowledge stored up for us in the 
past, waiting to be kindled by thy Spirit into a 
torch lighting our steps through the present into 
the future; 

WE THANK THEE. 
[146] 


THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT 


For the kindly earth, that nourishes us; for sun 
and moon and stars; for the harmony of form and 
colour that delights us; for the infinite reaches of 
space that lift our thoughts to thee; 


WE THANK THEE. 


For day and night; for sleep and waking; for 
the necessity of work and the capacity for play; 


WE THANK THEE. 


For the Bible, that tells us the story of thy loving 
purpose; for the church that witnesses to thy con- 
tinuing presence; for the Spirit that is even now 
speaking in our hearts; | 

WE THANK THEE. 


For our country, with its inheritance of love of 
liberty and respect for law—with its unexampled 
opportunity for self-discipline for world service; 


WE THANK THEE. 


For the growing spirit of good-will among men 
of many nations; for the deepening consciousness 
of the brotherhood of man; for the increasing num- 
ber of those, in every land, who are determined 
by God’s help to put an end to war; for the steps 
already taken, at Stockholm and at Geneva, to 
create organs of international understanding in 
church and state; 


WE THANK THEE. 
[147] 


THE QUIET HOUR 


For whatever private and personal experiences 
the year has brought, that are too intimate to be 
shared with any other, through which thou hast 
taught us lessons we needed to learn; 


WE THANK THEE. 
[A Period of Silence] 


BOVE all, we thank thee for the revelation 

of thy love made known to us through Jesus 

Christ—that love from which nothing can separate 

us, neither life nor death, nor tribulation nor 

anguish, nor things present, nor things to come; 

that love by which we are made more than con- 
querors over every danger and every fear. _ 

O God, help us to believe in this love and to 
trust it utterly, so that we may be made strong and 
free and glad. As we move forward into the New 
Year, be thou still our companion and guide. 
Forgetting the things that are behind, may we press 
on to the things that are before. May we count 
all things but loss for the excellency of the knowl- 
edge of Christ Jesus, our Lord. 


Now unto him that is able to keep us from 
falling and to present us faultless before 
the presence of his glory with exceeding 
joy; to the only wise God, our Savior, 
be glory and majesty, dominion and 
power, both now and ever. Amen. 

[148] 


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